JP2009064657A - Heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve temperature rising of a non-paper-through part of a film heating type heating device to enhance the degree of freedom of heating distribution in a heated material conveying direction to ensure heating property of the heated material while taking measures against temperature rising of the non-paper-through part. <P>SOLUTION: An insulating layer 45 is provided on a rear surface of an energized heat generating element 43 of a heating element 25, an aperture 46 is formed in the insulating layer 45 and an electrode is secured through the aperture 46 to form conductive patterns 51 to 56 on the insulating layer 45 to adjust a longitudinal heat generating area of the energized heat generating element 43. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a film heating type heating apparatus suitable for use as, for example, a fixing device mounted in an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus.

  A film heating type heating apparatus includes a heating body and a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating body, and heats the material to be heated by moving the heating body position together with the flexible member. This is a heating device that applies thermal energy of a body to a material to be heated via a flexible member.

  Conventionally, a film heating method has been proposed and put into practical use as a heating method in a fixing device as an image heating device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer.

  In this fixing device, a flexible member (hereinafter referred to as a fixing film) is brought into close contact with a heating body by a pressure roller (pressing elastic rotating body) and is slid and conveyed. Then, a recording material (heated material) carrying an unfixed image is introduced and fixed between the fixing film and the pressure roller in the press nip formed by the heating body and the pressure roller with the fixing film interposed therebetween. Convey with film. As a result, the unfixed image is fixed on the recording material as a fixed image by the heat from the heating body applied through the fixing film and the pressing force of the pressure nip portion.

  In this film heating type fixing device, since the entire fixing device can be constituted by a low heat capacity member, it is possible to save power and shorten the wait time (quick start property).

As a heating body used in this type of fixing device, there is one as disclosed in Patent Document 1. This is based on a plate-like ceramic substrate (heater substrate) having a low heat capacity and electrically insulating properties such as alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon carbide (SiC), or the like. A power supply electrode comprising a conductive heating pattern (heating element layer) using a PTC resistor such as silver palladium (Ag / Pd) on one side thereof, and a low resistance member such as Ag for energizing the heating pattern. A pattern is formed by screen printing or the like. Furthermore, the heating pattern forming surface is covered with a thin glass protective layer (sliding layer). The PTC resistor has a positive resistance temperature coefficient (positive temperature characteristic: PTC-Positive Temperature Coefficient) in which the resistance increases as the temperature increases.

  FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of an example of this heating element. The heating element 500 is provided with a heat generation pattern (electric heating element) 503 formed along the length of the substrate on one surface side of an elongated ceramic substrate 501 whose longitudinal direction is a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the recording material conveyance direction a. ing. In this example, two heat generation patterns 503 are formed in parallel. On one end portion side of the two heat generation patterns 503, first and second power supply electrode patterns 502a and 502b are formed and electrically connected. The other end portions of the two heat generation patterns 503 are electrically connected to each other via a connecting electrode pattern 502c. That is, the two heat generation patterns 503 are connected in series by the connecting electrode pattern 502c. Further, the heat generation pattern forming surface of the ceramic substrate 501 is covered with a thin glass protective layer (sliding layer) 504 including the connecting electrode pattern 502c. A power supply connector 505 is fitted to ends of the heating body 500 on the first and second power supply electrode patterns 502a and 502b side, and the heating body 500 and the power supply circuit section 506 are electrically connected. Then, the heat generation pattern 503 generates heat over the entire length region by energizing the heat generation pattern 503 through the first and second power supply electrode patterns 502a and 502b from the power supply circuit unit 506, and the effective heat generation length of the heating body. The entire area is rapidly heated. In this energization heat generation, for example, by applying an AC voltage of 100 to 120 V from the power supply unit 507 to the inter-electrode resistance (overall resistance) of about 10 to 30Ω of the heat generation pattern 503, an electric power of several hundred watts or more is input and energized Causes fever. The temperature rise of the heating body 500 is detected by a thermistor 509 as temperature detecting means disposed in contact with or near the heating body 500, and detection information regarding the temperature is fed back to the heating body drive control unit (CPU) 510. . The heating element drive control unit 510 controls the triac 508 of the power supply circuit unit 506 to energize the heat generation pattern 503 so that the temperature of the heating element 500 detected by the thermistor 509 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (fixing temperature). Control. That is, the temperature of the heating body 500 is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature.

  By the way, a film heating type fixing device is excellent in quick start performance due to its low heat capacity, but on the other hand, as a problem due to its low heat capacity, a so-called non-sheet passing portion temperature rise phenomenon is apt to occur remarkably. This will be described below. In FIG. 13, A is the maximum sheet passing width of the recording material. Here, the sheet passing width is a recording material dimension in a direction intersecting the recording material conveyance direction on the recording material surface. The length of the heat generation pattern 503 (the effective heat generation length region of the heating element) is set to be the same as or slightly longer than the maximum sheet passing width A. Let B be the sheet passing width of a recording material (small size sheet) having a width smaller than the maximum sheet passing width A. In this case, the sheet passing of recording materials of various width sizes is a so-called center reference conveyance centered on the recording material width, and S is the center reference line (virtual line). C is a non-sheet passing portion which is a difference area between the maximum sheet passing width A and the small sheet passing width B when the small size paper is passed. When the small-size paper is passed, the amount of heat taken away from the heating body differs greatly between the heating body portion corresponding to the sheet passing width B and the heating body portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion C. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the heating body, the temperature of the heating body portion corresponding to the sheet passing width B from which the amount of heat is deprived by the recording material is controlled to maintain a predetermined fixing temperature so as to compensate for the temperature drop due to the deprivation. Is done. On the other hand, the heating body portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion C where the recording material is not deprived of heat stores heat as the small-size paper is continuously fed, so that a predetermined fixing temperature is obtained. After that, the temperature rises gradually. This is a non-sheet passing portion temperature rise phenomenon. Excessive temperature rise in the non-sheet passing portion causes problems such as heat-damaging the constituent members of the fixing device and reducing the life of the device. Therefore, in order to avoid these adverse effects, the number of recording material transported sheets per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as small size productivity) is reduced to the productivity of wide large size paper during continuous passage of small size paper. On the other hand, it had to be drastically dropped.

  As a structure of the heating body for eliminating the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion, there is one as shown in Patent Document 2. In this structure, a plurality of heating elements are provided on the base material, and the length in the longitudinal direction is different for each heating element. When small-size paper is passed, the heat generation element having a short length in the longitudinal direction is driven to perform fixing, thereby minimizing heat generation in the non-paper passing portion.

  In FIG. 14, the schematic diagram of an example of this heating body is shown. Constituent members / portions common to the heating body of FIG.

  The heating body 500 has first to third three heat generation patterns (electric heating elements) 503-1, 503-2, and 503-3 having different lengths on one surface side of the base member 501, respectively. They are formed in parallel. The first heat generation pattern 503-1 is set to a length dimension corresponding to the sheet passing width W1 of the large size recording material. The second heat generation pattern 503-2 is set to a length dimension corresponding to the sheet passing width W2 of the medium size recording material. The third heat generation pattern 503-3 is set to a length dimension corresponding to the sheet passing width W3 of the small size recording material. W1> W2> W3. In this example, the three heat generation patterns are first, second, and third from the upstream side to the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction a with respect to the short side direction (heating body width direction) of the substrate 501. They are arranged in the order of the heat generation pattern.

  Then, the heating element drive control unit 510 turns on the first triac 508-1 of the power supply circuit unit 506 when a large-size recording material is passed. Thereby, it supplies with electricity between the 1st electric power feeding electrode pattern 502-1 on the one end part side of the 1st exothermic pattern 503-1, and the common electrode pattern 502-4 on the other end part side. Then, only the first heat generation pattern 503-1 having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W1 of the large size recording material generates heat, and the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature.

  Further, the energization drive control unit 510 turns on the second triac 508-2 of the power supply circuit unit 506 when the medium-size recording material is passed. Thereby, it supplies with electricity between the 2nd electric power feeding electrode pattern 502-2 of the one end part side of the 2nd heat_generation | fever pattern 503-2, and the common electrode pattern 502-4 of the other end part side. Then, only the second heat generation pattern 503-2 having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W2 of the medium size recording material generates heat, and the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature.

  Further, the heating element drive control unit 510 turns on the third triac 508-3 of the power feeding circuit unit 506 when a small-size recording material is passed. Thereby, it supplies with electricity between the 3rd electric power feeding electrode pattern 502-3 by the side of the one end part of the 3rd heat_generation | fever pattern 503-3, and the common electrode pattern 502-4 by the side of the other end part. Then, only the third heat generation pattern 503-3 having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W3 of the small size recording material generates heat, and the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature.

  14 has a configuration in which the first to third three heat generation patterns 503-1 to 503-3 can be individually energized via the electrode patterns 502-1 to 502-4. Thus, the heat generation pattern to be driven can be selected according to the width of the recording material. Thereby, the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion is eliminated. Reference numeral 505-1 denotes a power supply connector for the first to third power supply electrode patterns 502-1 to 502-3. Reference numeral 505-2 denotes a power supply connector for the common electrode pattern 502-4.

  However, in a heating body having a plurality of heat generation patterns, if an attempt is made to deal with many types of paper widths, the number of heat generation patterns will increase accordingly, leading to an increase in the width of the substrate 501. In particular, when electrodes are provided on both end sides of the base member 501, an electrode portion and a connector are required at both longitudinal ends. Therefore, not only the size of the apparatus is increased, but the arrangement of the bundled wires from the connectors 505-1 and 505-2 is also complicated, so that the assembling property is deteriorated and the bundled wire cost is also increased. Further improvement of this point is desired.

  Further, it is desirable that the heat generation distribution in the recording material conveyance direction (heating body width direction) in the heating body is uniform or has a heat generation peak on the upstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. This is because a sufficient time for an unfixed image to be made uniform can be ensured by being nipped and conveyed at the press nip after heat is applied to the recording material.

  However, when a plurality of heat generation patterns are provided, the position of the heat generation pattern on the substrate 501 differs depending on the heat generation pattern used, and therefore the heat generation distribution in the width direction of the heating body varies depending on the heat generation pattern used. For example, consider a case where fixing is performed using a third heat generation pattern 503-3 arranged on the downstream side in the recording material conveyance direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, compared to the first heat generation pattern arranged upstream in the recording material conveyance direction, the time for which the recording material is nipped and conveyed through the pressure nip portion after the fixing temperature reaches its peak. Becomes shorter. This is disadvantageous with respect to fixability. For this reason, when the third heat generation pattern 503-3 on the downstream side is used, the productivity is lowered, for example, the recording material conveyance speed is lowered.

  Further, as another heating element configuration for reducing the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion, a method using an NTC resistor having a negative resistance temperature coefficient (negative temperature characteristic) as a heating pattern of the heating element is disclosed in Patent Document 3 and the like. Proposed in

  An NTC resistor having a negative resistance temperature coefficient has a characteristic that the resistance decreases as the temperature increases (NTC: Negative Temperature Coefficient).

This kind of heating body is made of, for example, a material in which an insulating glass component is mixed with a compound having metallic conductivity, such as ruthenium oxide (RuO ₂ ) or tantalum nitride (Ta ₂ N), or a carbon-based material such as graphite. It is used as a heat generation pattern forming material. A heat generation pattern is formed by screen printing or the like. This heat generation pattern is an NTC resistor in terms of electrical conductivity, and has a property opposite to that of the PTC resistor, thereby preventing the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion.

  However, when the NTC resistors listed above are used as the heating pattern of the heating element, there are the following problems.

  For example, when a mixture of ruthenium oxide and a glass component is formed by blending materials for imparting NTC characteristics, its own volume resistance value becomes very large. When this material was formed as a heat generation pattern, the inter-electrode resistance value (overall resistance) was several hundred Ω or more, and the resistance value was too high for the energization resistance of the heating element used in the fixing device. Further, when a metal resistor such as Ag / Pd is mixed in order to reduce the overall resistance, the absolute value of NTC becomes small, and the effect on the relaxation of the temperature rise at the non-sheet passing portion is reduced.

Furthermore, Patent Document 4 described above discloses a configuration in which a conductive ceramic mainly composed of silicon carbide is formed in a rod shape having a substantially semicircular cross section, and used as an NTC energizing heating element. In the case of such a conductive ceramic structure, the electrodes need to be taken from both ends of the heating body, and the energization heat generation amount is large except for the portions necessary for heat fixing of the recording material, and further improvement of this point is desired. Yes.
JP-A-2005-142008 JP 2000-77170 A JP 06-019347 A

  As described above, in the conventional heating element configuration, the heat generation distribution in the recording material conveyance direction is made uniform, or the distribution is adjusted to a preferable shape with respect to the fixing property, and measures for raising the temperature of the non-sheet passing portion are compatible. It was difficult to make.

  Further, in the case of a heating body using a conductive ceramic formed in a rod shape or plate shape as a heating element, it is difficult to take electrodes from other than both ends.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object is to improve the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion of the heating device of the film heating system, and to freely set the heat generation distribution configuration in the heated material conveyance direction. By increasing the degree, the heatability of the material to be heated is improved. This is to improve the quality and reliability of this type of heating device.

  The second object is to increase the degree of freedom of electrode position and to make it advantageous for temperature rise at the end in a heating device that employs a heating element that uses a conductive ceramic formed in the shape of a rod or plate as an energization heating element. It is to be.

  A typical configuration of a heating device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a heating body and a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating body, and the material to be heated is the above-described material. It is a heating device that moves and passes the position of the heating body together with the flexible member and applies the thermal energy of the heating body to the heated material via the flexible member, and the heated body is the heated material A direction that intersects the direction of movement of the first electrode is provided as a longitudinal direction, an energization heating element that generates heat when energized from at least two different positions in the longitudinal direction is provided, and an opening is provided on at least a surface that does not contact the flexible member The conductive member is connected to the energization heating element in the opening to secure an energization electrode for the energization heating element.

  In addition, another representative configuration of the heating device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a heating body and a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating body, and is heated. It is a heating device that moves the material through the position of the heating body together with the flexible member and applies the thermal energy of the heating body to the heated material through the flexible member, A ceramic semiconductor mainly composed of orthorhombic silicon carbide, which has a longitudinal direction that intersects the moving direction of the material to be heated, and is energized to generate heat when energized from at least two different positions in the longitudinal direction. The substrate has an insulating layer provided with an opening on at least a surface of the substrate that does not come into contact with the flexible member, and the conductive member is connected to the substrate at the opening. The current-carrying electrode for the material is secured. To.

  According to the heating device of the present invention, it is possible to take a current-carrying electrode from an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the heating body, and by forming a pattern optimized for the size of a plurality of materials to be heated, It is possible to greatly improve the temperature rise of the part.

  In addition, since the degree of freedom of heat generation distribution formation in the heated material conveyance direction of the heating body is increased, an energized heating element having a uniform heat generation distribution in the heated material conveyance direction can be formed, or the heated material introduced into the apparatus It becomes possible to configure a heating element having an arbitrary heat distribution in the conveyance direction regardless of the width.

  Furthermore, even in a heating apparatus that employs a heating element that uses a conductive ceramic formed in a rod shape or plate shape as an energization heating element, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the position of the energization electrode and to enable a configuration that is advantageous for temperature rise at the ends. Is possible.

[Example 1]
(1) Example of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration model diagram of an image forming apparatus in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is a laser printer using an electrophotographic system. This image forming apparatus 1 has a maximum transportable sheet width of 210 mm, a transport speed of 180 mm / sec, an A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm) that can output 30 sheets / min. The longitudinal center (the center reference of the recording material width center).

  A print command is input from the host computer (external host device) 3 to the controller unit (control board, control circuit unit, CPU) 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the interface. Then, a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 4 as an image carrier is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction indicated by an arrow at a predetermined speed. The electrical image information (image signal) input from the host computer 3 to the controller unit 2 is subjected to image processing.

  In addition, according to the recording material selection designation information input from the host computer 3 to the controller unit 2, the recording material of the selected and designated size among the first to third paper feed cassettes 5, 6, and 7 (hereinafter referred to as paper and paper). The paper feed roller 9 of the paper feed unit in which P is accommodated is driven. As a result, the sheet P is separated and fed from the sheet feeding cassette in which the sheet feeding roller 9 is driven. In the case of paper feeding from the manual paper feed unit 8, the paper P set in the manual paper feed unit 8 is separated and fed by driving the paper feed roller 9 of the manual paper feed unit 8. The The size of the fed recording material P is detected by a paper size detection sensor (not shown), and the paper size detection information is input to the controller unit 2. The controller unit 2 functions as means for acquiring paper size information (paper size information as a material to be heated introduced into the apparatus) from the host computer 3 or a paper size detection sensor.

  The paper P fed from the first to third paper feed cassettes 5, 6, 7 or the manual paper feed unit 8 is conveyed to the image transfer unit through a conveyance guide (sheet path) 10. The paper P passing through the conveyance guide 10 tilts the lever of the top sensor 11 halfway. Thereby, it is detected that the leading edge of the sheet has passed the top sensor position. Thereafter, the top sensor 11 continues to detect the paper presence state until the trailing edge of the paper P passes through the top sensor 11. The lever of the top sensor 11 returns to the original position when the rear end of the paper P passes. As a result, it is detected that the trailing edge of the paper P has passed the position of the top sensor 11.

  On the other hand, the rotationally driven photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 12. Scanning exposure (writing of image information) L of image information is performed on the charged surface from the laser scanning exposure device 13. The laser scanning exposure apparatus 13 emits a laser beam modulated in accordance with the image-processed electrical image information input from the controller unit 2 to the photosensitive drum 4 for scanning exposure. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanning exposure pattern is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 14. The image exposure and development described above are often used in combination of so-called image exposure and reversal development.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 4 reaches the image transfer portion (transfer nip portion) that is a contact portion between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer roller 15 by the subsequent rotation of the photosensitive drum 4, and is conveyed to the image transfer portion. The images are sequentially transferred onto the surface of the sheet P. While the paper P passes through the image transfer portion, a charging bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the transfer roller 15. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4 side is electrostatically transferred to the paper P side. In the image transfer unit, the photosensitive drum by the laser scanning exposure device 13 is detected by a paper leading edge detection signal from the top sensor 11 in order to match the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 4 side with the image forming leading edge on the paper P side. 4 scanning exposure start timing is controlled.

  The sheet P exiting the image transfer section is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, guided to the conveyance guide 17, introduced into a fixing device (fixing device) 18 that is a heating device, and heat and pressure are applied to the leading end of the sheet. The toner image is fixed from the side. The paper that has undergone the toner image fixing process by the fixing device 18 is guided to the conveyance guide 19 and discharged as an image formed product (print, copy) onto a paper discharge tray 20 on the upper surface of the printer.

  Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 after the paper separation is cleaned by the cleaning device 16 to remove residual deposits such as transfer residual toner, and is repeatedly used for image formation.

(2) Fixing device 18
FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the fixing device 18. The fixing device 18 is a tensionless type film heating type heating device that drives a pressure roller, as described in JP-A-4-44075.

  Reference numeral 21 is a fixing film unit as a heating member, and 22 is an elastic pressure roller as a pressure member. Both 21 and 22 are arranged in parallel vertically and pressed against the elasticity of the pressure roller 22. A fixing nip portion N is formed between the two 21 and 22.

  In the fixing film unit 21, reference numeral 23 denotes a heating body support, which is formed of, for example, a resin such as PPS, PAI, PI, PEEK, or a liquid crystal polymer, or a composite material of these resins and ceramics, metal, glass, or the like. It is a molded product with heat insulation, high heat resistance and rigidity. The heating body support 23 is a member having a longitudinal direction in a direction perpendicular to the drawing, and a heating body 24 having a longitudinal direction in the direction perpendicular to the drawing is fitted and held in a groove portion provided on the lower surface along the longitudinal direction. I'm allowed. The heating body 24 functions as a heat source for the fixing device 18. The configuration of the heating body 24 will be described in detail in the next section (3). A flexible fixing member 25 is a cylindrical fixing film in a free state. The fixing film 25 is loosely fitted to the heating body support 23 holding the heating body 24.

  The fixing film 25 is, for example, an endless single-layer film mainly composed of heat-resistant PTFE, PFA, FEP, or the like. Or it is comprised in the composite layer film which coat | covered PTFE, PFA, or FEP etc. on the outer peripheral surface of the endless base film (base layer) which has polyimide, polyamideimide, PEEK, PES, or PPS as a main component. The fixing film 25 has a total layer thickness of 100 μm or less, preferably 40 μm or more and 80 μm or less. The fixing film 25 may be a flexible cylindrical body having a metal cylindrical body or a composite layer structure having a metal layer.

  Then, the heating roller 24 of the fixing film unit 21 is heated by pressing the pressing roller 22 against the elasticity of the pressing roller 22 with the fixing film 25 interposed therebetween, and pressing the heating roller 24 with a pressing means (not shown). A fixing nip portion N having a predetermined width necessary for fixing is formed. The width of the fixing nip N is a nip size in the recording material conveyance direction a (film rotation direction).

  The pressure roller 22 covers a cylindrical elastic layer 22b mainly composed of heat-resistant and releasable silicone rubber or the like on the outer peripheral surface of a columnar or substantially columnar cored bar 22a made of iron or aluminum. It is configured as such.

  The pressure roller 22 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the counterclockwise direction of the arrow, which is the recording material conveyance direction, when the cored bar 22a receives a driving force from the driving mechanism M. Due to the rotational drive of the pressure roller 22, a rotational force acts on the fixing film 25 by the frictional force at the fixing nip N between the pressure roller 22 and the outer surface of the fixing film 25. As a result, the fixing film 25 rotates following the clockwise direction of the arrow while sliding on the outer periphery of the heater support 23 while the inner surface of the film is in close contact with the downward surface of the heater 24. A lubricant is interposed in a contact portion between the fixing film 25 and the heating body 24 and the heating body support 23 to reduce the sliding resistance of the fixing film 25. The heating body support 23 has a function of supporting the heating body 24 and guiding the inner surface of the rotating fixing film 25 over the entire longitudinal direction.

  The fixing film 25 is rotated by the rotation of the pressure roller 22, and the heating body 24 is heated by energizing the heating body 24 to rise to a predetermined fixing temperature, and the temperature is adjusted. A recording material P carrying a toner image ta is introduced. The fixing nip N sandwiches and conveys the introduced recording material P and heats and presses it. That is, the recording material P is conveyed through the fixing nip N together with the fixing film 25 with the toner image carrying surface closely contacting the outer surface of the fixing film 25 in the fixing nip N. In the conveying process, the heat of the heating body 24 is transmitted to the recording material P through the fixing film 25, and the unfixed toner image ta is fixed on the surface of the recording material P as a fixed image tb by heat and pressure. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing nip N is separated from the surface of the fixing film 25 and is discharged and conveyed.

  That is, the fixing device 18 includes a heating body 24 and a fixing film 25 as a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating body 24. Then, a heating device that applies the thermal energy of the heating body 24 to the paper P through the fixing film 25 by moving the paper P as the material to be heated together with the fixing film 25 through the fixing nip N that is a heating body position. It is.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes a power feeding circuit section for the heating body 24, and the heating body 24 is heated by being energized from the power feeding circuit section 31. Reference numeral 32 denotes a thermistor as temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the heating body 24. The thermistor 32 is disposed in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the center reference line for paper conveyance on the back side of the heating body 24 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the fixing film 25 contacts and slides). Detect the temperature of the heating element. Detection information relating to the heating body temperature of the thermistor 32 is fed back to the heating body drive control section 33 of the controller section 2. The heating body drive control unit 33 controls the energization to the heating body 24 by controlling the power feeding circuit unit 31 so that the temperature of the heating body 24 detected by the thermistor 32 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (fixing temperature). That is, the temperature of the sheet passing portion of the heating body 24 is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature.

(3) Configuration of Heating Body 24 Here, in the following description, regarding the heating body 24 and the heating body base material (heater substrate), the front side is the side facing the fixing film 25, and the back side is the fixing film. The side opposite to the side facing 25 is the opposite side.

  FIG. 3 is a plan model diagram of the surface side of the heating body 24. FIG. 4 is a plan view diagram of the back side of the heating body 24 and a block diagram of the energization system. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional (end face) model diagram taken along line (5)-(5) in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional (end face) model diagram taken along line (6)-(6) in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective model view of the constituent members and portions of the heating body 24. In addition, the mutual dimension ratios such as the length, width, and thickness of the heating element and its constituent members / parts drawn in the drawings, and the mutual dimension ratios of the sheet passing widths of various size papers correspond to the actual size ratios described below. It is not a thing.

  The heating body 24 of the present embodiment is a back heating type heating body in which a heating element layer (electric heating element) 43 is provided on the back side of the heating body base 41. The heating body 24 of the present embodiment is optimal for A4 size paper as large size paper, B5 size paper as medium size paper, and A5 size paper as small size paper, which are transported vertically in the center. It is a heated body configuration. A4 size paper is 210 mm × 297 mm, B5 size paper is 182 mm × 257 mm, and A5 size paper is 148 mm × 210 mm.

  The heating body 24 of the present embodiment is a flat and long ceramic member (ceramic base material: electrical insulation, heat resistance, good heat) whose longitudinal direction is the direction intersecting the recording material conveyance direction a as the heating body base 41. Conductive member) is used. Specifically, it is an aluminum nitride (AlN) base material having a length of 240 mm, a width of 5 mm, and a thickness of 0.6 mm.

  A heat-resistant sliding layer 42 such as a glass layer is formed on the surface side of the base material 41 by screen printing or the like. The fixing film 25 slides and moves in close contact with the surface of the sliding layer 42.

  A heating element layer 43 that generates heat by energization is formed on the back side of the base material 41 by screen printing or the like. In this embodiment, the heating element layer 43 is a PTC resistor layer using silver palladium (Ag / Pd) or the like. The length of the heating element layer 43 is slightly longer than the sheet passing width W1 of the A4 size paper as a large size paper, and the width is slightly shorter than the width of the base material 41. Yes. That is, the heating element layer 43 is formed uniformly (including substantially uniform) in the width in the lateral direction where the fixing film 25 is in close contact with the heating body 24.

  On the surface of the heating element layer 43, first and second conductive layers 44a and 44b are formed at positions corresponding to both ends of the sheet passing width W1 of A4 size paper as large size paper in the longitudinal direction. Yes. Further, third and fourth conductive layers 44c and 44d are formed at positions corresponding to both ends of the sheet passing width W2 of the B5 size sheet as the medium size sheet. Further, fifth and sixth conductive layers 44e and 44f are formed at positions corresponding to both ends of the sheet passing width W3 of A5 size paper as small size paper. The first, third, and fifth conductive layers 44a, 44c, and 44e and the second, fourth, and sixth conductive layers 44b, 44d, and 44f are symmetric with respect to the central reference line S for paper conveyance. It is in.

  The first to sixth conductive layers 44 (a, b, c, d, e, and f) are each made to have a width dimension of the heating element layer 43 by screen printing or the like using a low resistance member such as Ag. It is formed in the form of a strip-like pattern having a length substantially corresponding to the dimension in the short direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

  As described above, the first to sixth conductive layers 44 (a, b, c, d, e, and f) are formed and covered with the heating element layer 43. An insulating layer 45 such as is formed. However, the insulating layer 45 is formed by opening portions (through holes) 46 corresponding to parts of the first to sixth conductive layers 44 (a, b, c, d, e, and f). Has been.

  Then, between the upper surface of the insulating layer 45 and the rear surface on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the base material 41, the first to sixth six conductive members (the first to sixth conductive members) are formed by screen printing or the like using a low resistance member such as Ag. Current-carrying electrodes) 51 to 56 are formed.

  The end 51a of the first conductive member 51 on the insulating layer 45 side is electrically connected to the first conductive layer 44a in the opening 46 corresponding to the first conductive layer 44a. Further, the end portion 51b of the first conductive member 51 on the base material 41 side is a first power feeding electrode portion.

  The end portion 52a on the insulating layer 45 side of the second conductive member 52 is electrically connected to the second conductive layer 44b in the opening 46 corresponding to the second conductive layer 44b. Further, the end portion 52b of the second conductive member 52 on the base material 41 side is a second power supply electrode portion.

  An end portion 53a on the insulating layer 45 side of the third conductive member 53 is electrically connected to the third conductive layer 44c in an opening 46 corresponding to the third conductive layer 44c. Further, the end portion 53b of the third conductive member 53 on the base material 41 side is a third power feeding electrode portion.

  The end portion 54a on the insulating layer 45 side of the fourth conductive member 54 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive layer 44d in the opening 46 corresponding to the fourth conductive layer 44d. Further, the end portion 54b on the base material 41 side of the fourth conductive member 54 is a fourth power supply electrode portion.

  The end 55a of the fifth conductive member 55 on the insulating layer 45 side is electrically connected to the fifth conductive layer 44e in the opening 46 corresponding to the fifth conductive layer 44e. Further, the end portion 55b of the fifth conductive member 55 on the base material 41 side is a fifth power supply electrode portion.

  An end portion 56a on the insulating layer 45 side of the sixth conductive member 56 is electrically connected to the sixth conductive layer 44f in the opening 46 corresponding to the sixth conductive layer 44f. Further, the end portion 56b of the sixth conductive member 56 on the base material 41 side is a sixth power supply electrode portion.

  A power supply connector 34 is fitted to the end of the heating body 24 on the side where the first to sixth power supply electrode portions 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b are arranged. The circuit section 31 is electrically connected.

  Then, the heating element drive control unit 33 of the controller unit 2 turns on the first triac 35 when passing A4 size paper as large size paper. As a result, energization is performed between the first and second feeding electrode portions 51b and 52b. Then, the heating element layer portion between the first and second conductive layers 44a and 44b of the heating element layer 43, that is, the heating element layer portion having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W1 of A4 size paper, generates heat. Then, the temperature rise of the heating body 24 is detected by a thermistor 32 as temperature detection means disposed in contact with or near the heating body 24, and detection information regarding the temperature is fed back to the heating body drive control circuit unit 33. . The heating element drive control circuit unit 33 controls the first triac 35 of the power feeding circuit unit 31 so that the temperature of the heating element 24 detected by the thermistor 32 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (fixing temperature). The energization to the layer 43 is controlled. That is, the AC voltage of the power supply unit 38 is subjected to pulse width modulation such as phase control or wave number control, and energization to the heating body 24 is controlled so that the temperature detected by the thermistor 32 is constant. A safety element (temperature fuse, thermo switch, etc.) 39 for preventing overheating of the heating body 24 is connected in series on the energization line and is in contact with or near the heating body 24. The thermistor 32 and the safety element 39 are arranged in correspondence with the heating element corresponding to the sheet passing width W3 of A5 size paper as small size paper.

  Further, the heating element drive control unit 33 turns on the second triac 36 when the B5 size paper as the medium size paper is passed. As a result, energization is performed between the third and fourth feeding electrode portions 53b and 54b. Then, the heating element layer portion between the third and fourth conductive layers 44c and 44d of the heating element layer 43, that is, the heating element layer portion having a length range corresponding to the sheet passing width W2 of the B5 size paper generates heat. Then, the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature. The portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion of the heating element layer 43 is not energized and does not generate heat. Accordingly, the non-sheet passing portion temperature rise does not occur in the heating body 24.

  Further, the heating element drive control unit 33 turns on the third triac 37 when the A5 size paper as the small size paper is passed. As a result, energization is performed between the fifth and sixth feeding electrode portions 55b and 56b. Then, the heating element layer portion between the fifth and sixth conductive layers 44e and 44f of the heating element layer 43, that is, the heating element layer portion in the length range corresponding to the sheet passing width W3 of the A5 size sheet, generates heat. Then, the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature. The portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion of the heating element layer 43 is not energized and does not generate heat. Accordingly, the non-sheet passing portion temperature rise does not occur in the heating body 24.

  As described above, the insulating layer 45 is provided on the back surface of the energization heating element 43 of the heating body 25, and the opening 46 is formed in the insulating layer 45. Then, by securing the electrodes from the openings 46 and forming the conductive members (conductive patterns) 51 to 56 on the insulating layer 45, it is possible to adjust the longitudinal heat generation region of the energization heat generator 43. This improves the temperature rise of the non-sheet-passing part of the heating device of the film heating method, and increases the degree of freedom related to the heat generation distribution in the heated material conveyance direction, thereby ensuring both fixing properties and measures for raising the temperature of the non-sheet-passing part. Can be planned.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment (maximum sheet passing width: 210 mm, conveyance speed: 180 mm / second, A4 size productivity: 30 sheets / minute), the medium size of the basis weight of 80 g / m ² while adjusting the sheet feeding interval. 200 sheets of paper (B5) and small size paper (A5) were continuously passed. For any size of paper, 30 sheets / minute could be maintained as productivity so that the temperature of the non-sheet passing portion could be kept high enough to prevent heat loss of the fixing device 18 in continuous 200 sheets.

  When the same verification was performed using the above-described conventional heating body 500 shown in FIG. 13, the maximum value of B5 size productivity was 10 sheets / minute, and the maximum value of A5 size productivity was 6 sheets / minute. By using the heating body according to the present invention, productivity of a small size could be greatly improved.

  As described above, the heating body 24 in this embodiment has a longitudinal direction that intersects the moving direction of the paper P, which is a material to be heated, and is energized to generate heat when energized from at least two different positions in the longitudinal direction. It has the heat generating body layer 43 which is a body. In addition, an insulating layer 45 having an opening 46 is provided on at least a surface that is not in contact with the fixing film 25 that is a flexible member, and the conductive member 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 are connected and the electricity supply electrode with respect to the heat generating body layer 43 is ensured.

  More specifically, the heating body 24 includes a ceramic base 41, an energization heating element 43 formed on the ceramic base, and an insulating layer 45 formed on the energization heating element. The insulating layer 45 has a plurality of openings 46, connected to the energizing heating element 43 through the openings 46, and has conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 formed on the insulating layer. The conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are patterned at the terminal portions toward one side in the longitudinal direction of the ceramic substrate 41.

  Then, it is possible to control which of the plurality of energization electrodes 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b existing in the heating body 24 is energized. More specifically, current is supplied to any of the plurality of energization electrodes 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b existing in the heating body 24 according to the size information of the paper P that is the material to be heated introduced into the apparatus. Can be controlled. More specifically, it has means (controller part 3) for acquiring size information of the heated material introduced into the apparatus, and a plurality of energizations exist in the heating body according to the acquired size information of the heated material. Which of the electrodes is energized can be controlled.

  In this embodiment, the fixing film 25 is made of a heat-resistant resin such as polyimide, but the fixing film is made of a metal such as SUS or Ni that has been processed into a film by rolling or the like. Also good. It is also possible to use a fixing film adapted to a color image forming apparatus by covering the film with an elastic layer such as silicone rubber and further covering with a fluorine tube or the like.

  The sliding layer 42 of the heating body 24 may be a system using a resin coating, particularly a polyimide coating.

  In the heating body 24 of the present embodiment, only one heating element layer 43 which is an energization heating element is used, but the present invention is also applied to a heating element having a plurality of heating element layers 43 as energization heating elements. Is possible. That is, a plurality of heating element layers 43 can be formed in a width in the short direction where the fixing film 25 is in close contact with the heating body 24. In this case, the plurality of heating element layers formed may have an arbitrary heat generation amount distribution in the sheet conveyance direction between the heating element layers. That is, a plurality of heating element layers formed may have different resistance values.

  Further, the conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are covered with an insulating layer 47 (second insulating layer) different from the insulating layer 45 (first insulating layer) except for the terminal portion on the side of the energizing electrode. It is also possible to adopt a heating body form.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element configuration optimized for A4 size, B5 size and A5 size was used, but optimized for other sizes (for example, combinations of US letter size, EXE size, envelope, etc.). It is also possible to employ a heating element configuration. Further, the number of conductive members (conducting electrodes) can be arbitrarily increased, and it is possible to cope with four or more paper sizes.

[Example 2]
FIG. 8 is a plan model view of the surface side of the heating body 24 in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view diagram of the back side of the heating body 24 and a block diagram of the energization system. 10 is a cross-sectional (end face) model diagram taken along line (10)-(10) in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional (end face) model diagram taken along line (11)-(11) in FIG. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective model view of components and parts of the heating body 24. Constituent members / portions common to the heating body 24 shown in FIGS. The configuration of the image forming apparatus and the configuration of the fixing device that is a heating device are the same as the configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the fixing device 18 in FIG. Omitted.

  The heating body 24 of the present embodiment does not form the heating element layer 43 on the electrically insulating heating body base 41 like the heating body 24 of the first embodiment, but gives resistance to the heating body base itself. The heating member base material is heated to generate heat by directly applying a voltage, and heat fixing is performed.

  In the present embodiment, a conductive ceramic (ceramic semiconductor having a cubic silicon carbide as a main component) containing β-type SiC as a main component is used as the heating element base 41A, and the length is 240 mm and the width is 5 mm. The thickness was 1 mm.

  The conductive ceramic mainly composed of β-type SiC as the base material 41A is manufactured by Bridgestone Corporation, trade name: Pure Beta-R, volume resistance value: about 0.1Ω · cm by 4 probe method Resistance temperature coefficient: -3000 ppm / K in the range from near room temperature to 200 ° C.

  A heat-resistant sliding layer 42 such as a glass layer / resin coating is formed on the surface side of the heating body base 41 </ b> A similarly to the heating body 24 of the first embodiment.

  Similarly to the heating body 24 of the first embodiment, the insulating layer 45 having the first to sixth conductive layers 44 a, 44 b, 44 c, 44 d, 44 e, 44 f and the opening 46 on the back surface side of the base material 41 A, First to sixth conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are formed.

  The energization system and energization control for the heating body 24 are the same as in the heating body 24 of the first embodiment.

  The heating element drive control unit 33 of the controller unit 2 turns on the first triac 35 when passing A4 size paper as large size paper. As a result, energization is performed between the first and second feeding electrode portions 51b and 52b. Then, the portion between the first and second conductive layers 44a and 44b of the heating body base 41A, that is, the heating body base portion having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W1 of A4 size paper generates heat. Then, the temperature rise of the heating body 24 is detected by a thermistor 32 as temperature detection means disposed in contact with or near the heating body 24, and detection information relating to the temperature is fed back to the heating body drive control circuit unit 33. . The heating element drive control circuit unit 33 controls the first triac 35 of the power supply circuit unit 31 so that the temperature of the heating element 24 detected by the thermistor 32 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (fixing temperature). The energization to the base material 41A is controlled.

  Further, the heating element drive control unit 33 turns on the second triac 36 when the B5 size paper as the medium size paper is passed. As a result, energization is performed between the third and fourth feeding electrode portions 53b and 54b. Then, the portion between the third and fourth conductive layers 44c and 44d of the heating body base 41A, that is, the heating body base portion having a length range corresponding to the sheet passing width W2 of the B5 size paper generates heat. Then, the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature. The portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion of the heating body base 41A is not energized and does not generate heat. Accordingly, the non-sheet passing portion temperature rise does not occur in the heating body 24.

  Further, the heating element drive control unit 33 turns on the third triac 37 when the A5 size paper as the small size paper is passed. As a result, energization is performed between the fifth and sixth feeding electrode portions 55b and 56b. Then, a portion between the fifth and sixth conductive layers 44e and 44f of the heating body base 41A, that is, a heating body base portion having a length corresponding to the sheet passing width W3 of A5 size paper generates heat. Then, the temperature of the heating body portion in the length region is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature. The portion corresponding to the non-sheet passing portion of the heating body base 41A is not energized and does not generate heat. Accordingly, the non-sheet passing portion temperature rise does not occur in the heating body 24.

  Using the heating body 24 of this example, the productivity of medium-size paper (B5) and small-size paper (A5) was confirmed in the same manner as the heating body of Example 1. As a result, for 200 sheets of any size, maintain the same 30 sheets / minute as the A4 size as productivity that fits in the temperature rise of the non-sheet-passing part to the extent that the fixing device does not lose heat when passing 200 sheets continuously. I was able to do it.

  The heating body 24 in the present embodiment is a ceramic semiconductor mainly composed of cubic silicon carbide, and has a longitudinal direction that intersects the moving direction of the material to be heated, and at least two positions different in the longitudinal direction. An energizing heating element that generates heat when energized is used as the base material 41A. An insulating layer 45 having an opening 46 is provided on at least the surface of the base 41A that does not contact the fixing film 25, and the conductive member 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 is connected. Thereby, the electricity supply electrode with respect to 41 A of base materials is ensured. That is, the heating body 24 has an insulating layer 45 formed on the base material 41A, the insulating layer 45 has a plurality of openings 46, and is connected to the base material 41A through the openings 46, and on the insulating layer. Conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 are formed. The conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are patterned in such a manner that the terminal portion on the energizing electrode side faces one side in the longitudinal direction of the base material 41A.

  Then, it is possible to control which of the plurality of energization electrodes 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b existing in the heating body 24 is energized. More specifically, current is supplied to any of the plurality of energization electrodes 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b existing in the heating body 24 according to the size information of the paper P that is the material to be heated introduced into the apparatus. Can be controlled. More specifically, it has means (controller part 3) for acquiring size information of the heated material introduced into the apparatus, and a plurality of energizations exist in the heating body according to the acquired size information of the heated material. Which of the electrodes is energized can be controlled.

  Further, the conductive members 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are covered with an insulating layer 47 (second insulating layer) different from the insulating layer 45 (first insulating layer) except for the terminal portion on the side of the energizing electrode. It is also possible to adopt a heating body form.

  According to the heating element configuration described in the first and second embodiments, the electrodes are taken from any longitudinal position of the heating element layer (electric heating element) 43 or the conductive ceramic (ceramic semiconductor) 41A of the heating element 24. Is possible. Thus, by forming a conductive member (conductive pattern) optimized for the size of a plurality of materials to be heated, it is possible to significantly improve the temperature rise of the non-sheet passing portion.

  Moreover, the freedom degree of heat_generation | fever distribution formation in a to-be-heated material conveyance direction increases. For this reason, an energized heating element having a uniform heat generation distribution in the heated material conveyance direction is formed, or a heating element having an arbitrary heat generation distribution in the heated material conveyance direction regardless of the width of the heated material introduced into the apparatus. It can be configured.

  Furthermore, even in a heating apparatus employing a heating element using a conductive ceramic formed in a rod shape or plate shape as a heating element, an insulating layer is provided on the side opposite to the surface in close contact with the film. Then, by adopting a configuration in which the electrode is taken from the opening of the insulating layer, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the electrode position and to enable a configuration advantageous for increasing the temperature of the end.

[Remarks]
1) Although the heating apparatus of an Example is a structure which performs conveyance of a to-be-heated material on a center reference | standard, the heating apparatus of this invention can also be set as the structure which performs conveyance of a to-be-heated material on the one-side reference | standard.

  2) The heating device of the film heating method can be configured as a device configuration in which an endless belt-like film is stretched by applying tension and is rotationally driven. Alternatively, a long end film wound in a roll form can be used, and the apparatus can be configured to travel from the projecting shaft side to the winding shaft side through a heating body at a predetermined speed.

  3) Further, the film heating type heating device of the present invention is not limited to use as a fixing device for heating and fixing an unfixed image. In addition, for example, it can also be used as a glossiness increasing device (image heating device) for increasing the glossiness of an image by heating an image fixed on a recording material, and an image heating device for hypothetical processing. Also, it can be widely used as a heating device for feeding a sheet-like member as a material to be heated and performing a drying process, a laminating process, a heat sealing process, a wrinkle removing process, a heating apparatus for drying used in an ink jet printer, etc. .

Schematic configuration model diagram of an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 Expanded cross-sectional model view of the main part of the fixing device Plane model on the surface side of the heating element Plan view of the back side of the heating element and block diagram of the power distribution system Cross section (end face) model diagram along line (5)-(5) in FIG. Cross section (end face) model diagram along line (6)-(6) in FIG. Exploded perspective view of components / parts of heating element Plane model diagram of surface side of heating element in example 1 Plan view of the back side of the heating element and block diagram of the power distribution system Cross-sectional (end face) model view along line (10)-(10) in FIG. Cross section (end face) model view along line (11)-(11) in FIG. Exploded perspective view of components / parts of heating element The figure which shows the conventional heating element A diagram showing a conventional heating element (having a plurality of energization heating elements) FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a heat generation distribution in the recording material conveyance direction of the heating body in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

18 .. Fixing device (heating device), 24 .. Heating body, 25 .. Fixing film (flexible member), 31 .. Feeding circuit section, 32 .. Temperature detecting means, 33. , 41 .. Heating body substrate, 42 .. Sliding layer, 43 .. Heat generation layer (electric heating element), 44 a to 44 f... 1st to 6th conductive layer, 45 .. Insulating layer, 46. · Openings 51 to 56 ·· First to sixth conductive members P ·· Recording material (material to be heated)

Claims (14)

A heating member and a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating member, and moves the heated material together with the flexible member through the position of the heating member so as to reduce the thermal energy of the heating member. A heating device for applying to the material to be heated via the flexible member;
The heating body has an energization heating element that is energized from at least two positions different from each other in the longitudinal direction, the direction intersecting with the moving direction of the material to be heated,
An insulating layer provided with an opening is provided at least on a surface that does not contact the flexible member, and a conductive member is connected to the energization heating element in the opening to secure an energization electrode for the energization heating element. A heating device characterized by that.   The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the energization heating element is uniformly formed in a width in a short direction in which the flexible member is in close contact with the heating body.   The heating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the energization heating elements are formed in a width in a short direction in which the flexible member is in close contact with the heating body.   The heating device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of energization heating elements formed have different resistance values.   The heating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive member is covered with an insulating layer different from the insulating layer except for a terminal portion.   The heating body includes a ceramic base, an energizing heating element formed on the ceramic base, and an insulating layer formed on the energizing heating element, and the insulating layer has a plurality of openings. 6. The heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a conductive member connected to the energization heating element from the opening and formed on the insulating layer.   The heating device according to claim 6, wherein the conductive member is patterned in a terminal portion toward one side in a longitudinal direction of the ceramic base material. A heating member and a flexible member that travels in close contact with the heating member, and moves the heated material together with the flexible member through the position of the heating member so as to reduce the thermal energy of the heating member. A heating device for applying to the material to be heated via the flexible member;
The heating body is a ceramic semiconductor mainly composed of cubic silicon carbide, and is energized from at least two positions different from each other in a longitudinal direction that intersects the moving direction of the material to be heated. The base plate is an energization heating element that generates heat, and has an insulating layer provided with an opening on at least a surface of the base that does not contact the flexible member, and the conductive member is provided on the base in the opening. A heating device characterized in that a conductive electrode for the substrate is secured by being connected.   The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is covered with an insulating layer different from the insulating layer except for a terminal portion.   The heating body has an insulating layer formed on the base material, the insulating layer has a plurality of openings, is connected to the base material through the openings, and is formed on the insulating layer. The heating apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a conductive member.   The heating device according to claim 10, wherein the conductive member is patterned in such a manner that a terminal portion is directed to one side in a longitudinal direction of the base material.   The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of energization electrodes existing in the heating body can be controlled.   12. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein one of a plurality of energizing electrodes existing in the heating body can be controlled according to size information of a material to be heated introduced into the apparatus. Heating device.   It has means to acquire the size information of the material to be heated introduced into the apparatus, and it is possible to control which of the plurality of energizing electrodes present in the heating body is energized according to the acquired size information of the material to be heated The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating apparatus is provided.