JP2011047996A - Image forming apparatus and fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus including a fixing device in which a heating roller or the like is efficiently heated by a heater, and also temperature in a predetermined area in a first width area (maximum paper passing area) of the heating roller or the like is efficiently raised. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes the fixing device 9 including: a first rotator 9a; the heater 910 which radiates light from a light emitting surface 910b so as to heat the first rotator 9a from the inside; a second rotator 9b; a first width area 901a which is formed on the first rotator 9a and through which material to be transferred T having the maximum width in a conveying width direction perpendicular to a conveying direction D1 passes; and light reflecting members 920 which are arranged near positions corresponding to first width area ends 901e being both ends of the first width area 901a in the direction of a first rotary shaft I inside the first rotator 9a, have a light reflection surface 925 reflecting the light from the heater 910, and are configured to vary an angle α of the light reflection surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b and form including shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a fixing device.

  Conventionally, as an apparatus for forming (printing) an image on a sheet, an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine of these is known. In the image forming apparatus, a charging step for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum, an exposure step for irradiating the charged photosensitive drum with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the surface of the photosensitive drum A developing process for developing the toner by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed thereon, a transferring process for transferring the toner image formed from the toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum to the paper, and the toner transferred to the paper An image is formed on the paper by sequentially performing each of the fixing steps for fixing the image on the paper.

  Among the above steps, in the fixing step, in order to fix the toner constituting the toner image transferred onto the paper onto the paper, it is necessary to apply heat to the toner to melt the toner. Conventionally, as a fixing device that performs a fixing process, a heating roller, a pressure roller that forms a fixing nip on which a sheet on which a toner image is transferred by the heating roller, and a heating roller are heated from the inside of the heating roller are heated. A fixing device including a heater is used.

In recent years, it has been desired to efficiently use the energy radiated from the heater disposed inside the heating roller in order to save energy.
In order to efficiently use energy, a fixing device is known in which the heat capacity of the heating roller is reduced by reducing the thickness of the heating roller (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the fixing device including the heating roller having a small heat capacity, the time required for warming up the fixing device can be shortened, so that energy saving can be coped with.

JP 2003-177624 A

  With the recent increase in printing speed, it is desired to further shorten the time required for warming up the fixing device. In general, when the temperature near the end of the first width region (maximum paper passing region) through which the maximum width paper passes in the transport width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction is greater than or equal to the image forming apparatus. It is designed to start printing. In the fixing device described in Patent Document 1, no special contrivance is made at both ends of the heating roller in the axial direction, and heat from the heater disposed inside dissipates from both ends of the heating roller in the axial direction. Cheap. Therefore, the heating roller cannot be heated efficiently. Therefore, it is desirable to efficiently raise the temperature in the vicinity of the end of the first width region (maximum sheet passing region) in the heating roller so that the temperature distribution of the heating roller is made uniform efficiently.

  Further, when a plurality of sheets are continuously passed through the fixing device, or when the sheet size (width direction) is small, the central area in the first width area (maximum sheet passing area) of the heating roller is used. The temperature is lower than the temperature near the end. That is, the temperature in the central region and the vicinity of the end portion of the heating roller is not uniform. Also in this case, similarly, it is desired to keep the temperature distribution of the heating roller uniform by suppressing the temperature drop in the central region.

The present invention provides a fixing device that can efficiently heat a heating roller or the like with a heater and can efficiently raise the temperature of a predetermined region in a first width region (maximum sheet passing region) such as a heating roller. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device included in the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention provides an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-like transfer material, and fixing for fixing the toner image on the transfer material by melting toner constituting the toner image transferred to the transfer material. A device that is a hollow first rotating body that is rotatable about a first rotation axis, and is disposed inside the first rotating body, includes a light emitting unit, and emits light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting unit. A heater that radiates and heats the first rotating body from the inside and a first rotator is disposed opposite to the first rotating body to form a fixing nip through which the transfer material is conveyed and A second rotating body that is rotatable about a second rotating shaft that is parallel to the first rotating shaft, and a material to be transferred having a maximum width in the conveying width direction that is formed on the first rotating body and that is orthogonal to the conveying direction. A first width region and the inside of the first rotating body, The light reflecting surface is disposed in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the end of the first width region that is both ends of the first width axis in the first rotation axis direction, and reflects the light from the heater. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device having a light reflecting member configured to variably include an angle and a shape with respect to the light emitting surface.

  Further, the present invention provides an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like transfer material, and fuses toner constituting the toner image transferred to the transfer material to fix the toner image to the transfer material. A fixing device that is configured to have a hollow first rotating body that is rotatable about a first rotating shaft, and is disposed inside the first rotating body, includes a light emitting unit, and from a light emitting surface of the light emitting unit. A heater that radiates light to heat the first rotary body from the inside and a first rotator are arranged opposite to the first rotary body to form a fixing nip through which the transfer material is conveyed. And a second rotating body that is rotatable about a second rotating shaft that is parallel to the first rotating shaft, and a transfer material that is formed on the first rotating body and has a maximum width in the conveying width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. A first width region passing therethrough and an interior of the first rotating body. The first width region is disposed in the vicinity of a position corresponding to an end portion of the first width region that is both ends of the first rotation axis direction, and has a light reflecting surface that reflects light from the heater, and the light A fixing device having a light reflecting member variably including a shape including an angle and a shape of a reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface; and a deforming portion that deforms the shape of the light reflecting member; and the fixing device is in a startup state In the start-up mode, the deformation portion is instructed to set the light reflecting member in a predetermined initial form, and the transfer material onto which the toner image is transferred passes through the first width region. Is an image provided with a deformation control unit that instructs the deformation unit to set the light reflecting member in the initial form, or instructs the deformation unit to have a deformation form different from the initial form. About forming apparatus.

  Further, the light reflecting member in the initial form is disposed so as to face the vicinity of the position corresponding to the end of the first width region on the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body, It is preferable that a part of light from the heater is reflected so as to be directed to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the end portion of the first width region on the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body.

  A receiving unit capable of receiving image formation instruction information including number information relating to the number of transfer materials on which an image is formed and type information relating to the type of the transfer material; Based on the number information included in the image formation instruction information, a continuous determination unit that determines whether a predetermined number or more of the transfer materials are continuously conveyed through the first width region; and a predetermined number or more A continuous transport form information storage unit that stores form information related to the initial form or the deformed form corresponding to a case where the transfer material is continuously conveyed through the first width region, In the image forming mode, the deformation control unit is configured to correspond to the determination result determined by the continuous determination unit based on the form information stored in the continuous conveyance form information storage unit. It is preferred to direct the deformation portion so as to be.

  The deformation control unit may determine that the predetermined number of the light reflecting members are transferred when the continuous determination unit determines that the predetermined number or more of the materials to be transferred are continuously conveyed through the first width region. The deformation part is instructed to have a deformation form corresponding to the case where the transfer material is continuously conveyed through the first width region, and the deformation part is instructed from the deformation control part. The light reflecting member is preferably deformed so as to reflect light from the light emitting surface toward an inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body and toward a central portion in the first rotating shaft direction.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said deformation | transformation part deform | transforms the said light reflection member so that the angle with respect to the said light emission surface of the said light reflection surface may become smaller than the angle with respect to the said light emission surface of the said light reflection surface in the said initial form.

  A receiving unit capable of receiving image formation instruction information including number information relating to the number of transfer materials on which an image is formed and type information relating to the type of the transfer material; Based on the type information included in the image formation instruction information, a type detection unit that detects the type of the transfer material, the type of the transfer material, and the initial form corresponding to the type of the transfer material or A type configuration information storage unit that stores configuration information associated with the deformation mode, and in the image forming mode, the deformation control unit is based on the configuration information stored in the type configuration information storage unit. Preferably, the deformation unit is instructed so as to have a form corresponding to the type of the transfer material detected by the type detection unit.

  In addition, the deformation control unit has a length in the width direction that is in the transport width direction intersecting the transport direction in the type of the transfer material detected by the type detection unit and is parallel to the first rotation axis. When the first width region is shorter than the length in the first rotation axis direction, the light reflecting member is instructed to be in the deformed form corresponding to the type of the material to be transferred, and the deformed portion Is based on an instruction from the deformation control unit, the outer edge of the light reflecting member is an inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body, and the width direction of the transfer material of the type detected by the type detection unit Preferably, the light reflecting member is deformed so as to go to a position corresponding to a position through which the outer edge passes.

  In addition, the deforming portion is configured such that the angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface is smaller than the angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface in the initial form, and the length in the first rotation axis direction is The light reflecting member is preferably deformed so as to be longer than the length in the initial form.

  The first rotating body is preferably a cylindrical rotating roller.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the first rotating body is an annular and flexible rotating belt.

  Further, the present invention provides an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like transfer material, and fuses toner constituting the toner image transferred to the transfer material to fix the toner image to the transfer material. A fixing device that is configured to have a hollow first rotating body that is rotatable about a first rotating shaft, and is disposed inside the first rotating body, includes a light emitting unit, and from a light emitting surface of the light emitting unit. A heater that radiates light to heat the first rotary body from the inside and a first rotator are arranged opposite to the first rotary body to form a fixing nip through which the transfer material is conveyed. And a second rotating body that is rotatable about a second rotating shaft that is parallel to the first rotating shaft, and a transfer material that is formed on the first rotating body and has a maximum width in the conveying width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. A first width region passing therethrough and an interior of the first rotating body. The first width region is disposed in the vicinity of a position corresponding to an end portion of the first width region that is both ends of the first rotation axis direction, and has a light reflecting surface that reflects light from the heater, and the light A light reflecting member configured to variably include a shape including an angle and a shape of the reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface, a deforming portion that deforms the shape of the light reflecting member, and the first width on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body. A fixing device having a temperature detecting member for detecting a temperature at or near a position corresponding to the end of the region, and the light reflecting member is set to a predetermined initial form within a predetermined time from the start-up of the fixing device. If the temperature detected by the temperature detecting member is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the deforming portion is instructed to set the light reflecting member to the initial form, or the initial Form And the deformation control unit instructing the deformable portion so as to be different variations, an image forming apparatus including the.

  The present invention also relates to a fixing device for fusing toner constituting a toner image transferred to a sheet-like transfer material and fixing the toner image on the transfer material, with a first rotation axis as a center. A rotatable hollow first rotating body, and disposed inside the first rotating body, having a light emitting unit, and emitting light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting unit to heat the first rotating body from the inside. And a second rotative axis parallel to the first rotational axis and forming a fixing nip through which the transfer material is conveyed by the first rotator. A second rotating body rotatable around the center, a first width region formed in the first rotating body, through which a material to be transferred having a maximum width passes in a transport width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the first rotating body Inside and in the first rotational axis direction of the first width region. Form which is arranged near the position corresponding to the first width region end which is both ends, has a light reflecting surface for reflecting light from the heater, and includes an angle and a shape of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface And a light reflecting member configured to be variable.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently heat a heating roller or the like with a heater, and to fix a predetermined region in the first width region (maximum sheet passing region) such as the heating roller efficiently. An image forming apparatus including the apparatus can be provided.
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fixing device included in the image forming apparatus.

It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of each component in the printer 1 of 1st Embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing a fixing device 9 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I, and is a view when the light reflecting member 920 is in an initial form. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I, and the light reflecting member 920 is arranged such that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than that in the initial form. It is a figure at the time of changing. FIG. 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I. The angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than that in the initial configuration, and the first rotation axis I It is a figure when the light reflection member 920 is deform | transformed so that the length in a direction may become longer than an initial form. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 5B is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the continuous conveyance form table 137 contained in the continuous conveyance form information storage part 136. FIG. It is a figure which shows the kind form table 139 contained in the kind form information storage part 138. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the printer 1 of the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination method by the temperature determination part 125 in the printer 1 of 1st Example. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the printer 1 of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in the printer 1 of another Example. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the second embodiment as viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I, and is a view when the light reflecting member is in an initial form. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 14 viewed from a conveyance direction D1 of the paper T. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the second embodiment when viewed from the conveyance direction D1 of the paper T, and the light reflecting member 920 is configured such that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than the initial form. It is a figure at the time of changing.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
With reference to FIG. 1, the overall structure of a printer 1 as a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of each component in the printer 1 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body M and an image forming unit GK that forms a predetermined toner image on a sheet T as a sheet-like transfer material based on predetermined image information. And a paper supply / discharge unit KH that supplies the paper T to the image forming unit GK and discharges the paper T on which the toner image is formed.
The outer shape of the apparatus main body M is configured by a case body BD as a casing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit GK includes a photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier (photosensitive member), a charging unit 10, a laser scanner unit 4 as an exposure unit, a developing device 16, and a toner cartridge. 5, a toner supply unit 6, a drum cleaning unit 11, a static eliminator 12, a transfer roller 8, and a fixing device 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed / discharge unit KH includes a paper feed cassette 52, a manual paper feed unit 64, a transport path L for paper T, a registration roller pair 80, and a paper discharge unit 50.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the image forming unit GK and the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described in detail.
First, the image forming unit GK will be described.
In the image forming unit GK, in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, charging by the charging unit 10, exposure by the laser scanner unit 4, development by the developing device 16, transfer by the transfer roller 8, Static elimination by the static eliminator 12, cleaning by the drum cleaning unit 11, and fixing by the fixing device 9 are performed.

  The photosensitive drum 2 is made of a cylindrical member and functions as a photosensitive member or an image carrier. The photosensitive drum 2 is disposed so as to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper T in the conveyance path L. An electrostatic latent image can be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

  The charging unit 10 is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The charging unit 10 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 to be negative (minus polarity) or positive (plus polarity).

  The laser scanner unit 4 functions as an exposure unit, and is disposed away from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The laser scanner unit 4 includes a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror, a polygon mirror driving motor, and the like.

  The laser scanner unit 4 scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 based on image information input from an external device such as a PC (personal computer). By scanning exposure with the laser scanner unit 4, the charge on the exposed portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is removed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

  The developing device 16 is provided corresponding to the photosensitive drum 2 and is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The developing device 16 attaches a single color (usually black) toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 2 to form a single color toner image on the surface of the photoconductive drum 2. The developing device 16 includes a developing roller 17 disposed opposite to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, a stirring roller 18 for stirring the toner, and the like.

  The toner cartridge 5 is provided corresponding to the developing device 16 and stores toner supplied to the developing device 16.

  The toner supply unit 6 is provided corresponding to the toner cartridge 5 and the developing device 16, and supplies the toner contained in the toner cartridge 5 to the developing device 16. The toner supply unit 6 and the developing device 16 are connected by a toner supply path (not shown).

  The transfer roller 8 transfers the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 to the paper T. A transfer bias for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 to the paper T is applied to the transfer roller 8 by a transfer bias applying unit (not shown).

  The transfer roller 8 is brought into contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum 2. Specifically, the transfer roller 8 is configured to be movable between a contact position where the transfer roller 8 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 2 and a spaced position where the transfer roller 8 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2. Specifically, the transfer roller 8 is disposed at the contact position when the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to the paper T, and is disposed at the separation position in other cases.

  A sheet T conveyed on the conveyance path L is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 8. The sandwiched paper T is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. A transfer nip N is formed between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 8. In the transfer nip N, the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto the paper T.

  The static eliminator 12 is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The static eliminator 12 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 with light, thereby neutralizing the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after the transfer is performed (removing the electric charge).

  The drum cleaning unit 11 is disposed to face the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The drum cleaning unit 11 removes toner and deposits remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2, and transports the removed toner and the like to a predetermined recovery mechanism for recovery.

  The fixing device 9 melts and presses the toner constituting the toner image transferred onto the paper T and fixes the toner on the paper T. The fixing device 9 includes a heating rotator (heating roller) 9a heated by a heater, and a pressure rotator (pressure roller) 9b pressed against the heating rotator 9a. The heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b sandwich and pressurize the paper T on which the toner image has been transferred, and convey the paper T. By transporting the paper T while being sandwiched between the heating rotator 9a and the pressure rotator 9b, the toner transferred onto the paper T is melted and pressurized, and is fixed to the paper T. Details of the fixing device 9 will be described later.

Next, the paper supply / discharge unit KH will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the lower part of the apparatus main body M, a single paper feed cassette 52 that stores paper T is disposed. The paper feed cassette 52 is configured to be drawable in the horizontal direction from the front side (right side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body M. In the paper feed cassette 52, a placement plate 60 on which the paper T is placed is disposed. In the paper feed cassette 52, the paper T is stored in a state of being stacked on the placement plate 60. The paper T placed on the placement plate 60 is sent out to the transport path L by the cassette paper feed unit 51 arranged at the paper feed side end of the paper feed cassette 52 (the right end in FIG. 1). The cassette paper feed unit 51 includes a double feed prevention mechanism including a forward feed roller 61 for taking out the paper T on the placement plate 60 and a paper feed roller pair 63 for feeding the paper T to the transport path L one by one. Prepare.

  A manual paper feed unit 64 is provided on the front surface (right side in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body M. The manual paper feed unit 64 is provided mainly for supplying the apparatus main body M with a paper T of a size and type different from the paper T set in the paper feed cassette 52. The manual paper feed unit 64 includes a manual feed tray 65 that forms a part of the front surface of the apparatus main body M in the closed state, and a paper feed roller 66. The lower end of the manual feed tray 65 is attached to the vicinity of the paper feed roller 66 so as to be rotatable (openable and closable). The paper T is placed on the open manual feed tray 65. The paper feed roller 66 feeds the paper T placed on the open manual feed tray 65 to the manual feed path La.

  A paper discharge unit 50 is provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge unit 50 discharges the paper T to the outside of the apparatus main body M by the third roller pair 53. Details of the paper discharge unit 50 will be described later.

  The conveyance path L for conveying the paper T is a first conveyance path L1 from the cassette paper feeding unit 51 to the transfer nip N, a second conveyance path L2 from the transfer nip N to the fixing device 9, and a discharge from the fixing device 9. A third conveyance path L3 to the section 50, a manual conveyance path La that joins the paper supplied from the manual sheet feeding unit 64 to the first conveyance path L1, and a third conveyance path L3 from the upstream side to the downstream side. And a return transport path Lb that reverses the paper and returns it to the first transport path L1.

Moreover, the 1st junction part P1 and the 2nd junction part P2 are provided in the middle of the 1st conveyance path L1. A first branch portion Q1 is provided in the middle of the third transport path L3.
The first joining part P1 is a joining part where the manual feed path La joins the first transport path L1. The second junction P2 is a junction where the return conveyance path Lb merges with the first conveyance path L1.
The first branch portion Q1 is a branch portion where the return transport path Lb branches from the third transport path L3, and includes a first roller pair 54a and a second roller pair 54b. One roller of the first roller pair 54a and one roller of the second roller pair 54b are combined.

  In the middle of the first transport path L1 (specifically, between the second junction P2 and the transfer roller 8), a sensor for detecting the paper T, correction of skew (oblique paper feeding) of the paper T, and image A registration roller pair 80 is arranged to synchronize with the formation of the toner image in the forming unit GK. The sensor is disposed immediately before the registration roller pair 80 in the transport direction of the paper T (upstream in the transport direction). The registration roller pair 80 conveys the paper T by performing the above-described correction and timing adjustment based on detection signal information from the sensor.

The return conveyance path Lb is a conveyance path that is provided so that the opposite surface (non-printing surface) to the surface that has already been printed faces the photosensitive drum 2 when performing duplex printing on the paper T.
According to the return conveyance path Lb, the sheet T conveyed from the first branching section Q1 to the paper discharge section 50 side by the first roller pair 54a is reversed and returned to the first conveyance path L1 by the second roller pair 54b. , And can be conveyed to the upstream side of the registration roller pair 80 disposed on the upstream side of the transfer roller 8. A predetermined toner image is transferred onto the non-printing surface by the photosensitive drum 2 on the paper T that has been turned upside down by the return conveyance path Lb.

  A paper discharge unit 50 is formed at the end of the third transport path L3. The paper discharge unit 50 is disposed on the upper side of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge unit 50 opens toward the front side of the apparatus main body M (the right side in FIG. 1, the manual paper feed unit 64 side). The paper discharge unit 50 discharges the paper T conveyed on the third conveyance path L3 to the outside of the apparatus main body M by the third roller pair 53.

On the opening side of the paper discharge unit 50, a paper discharge stacking unit M1 is formed. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is formed on the upper surface (outer surface) of the apparatus main body M. The paper discharge stacking unit M1 is a part formed by the upper surface of the apparatus main body M being depressed downward. The bottom surface of the paper discharge stacking unit M1 constitutes a part of the top surface of the apparatus main body M. In the paper discharge stacking unit M1, sheets T formed with a predetermined toner image and discharged from the paper discharge unit 50 are stacked and stacked.
A paper detection sensor is disposed at a predetermined position on each conveyance path.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a configuration related to a characteristic part in the printer 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fixing device 9 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I, and is a view when the light reflecting member 920 is in the initial form. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 3C is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I. The light is reflected so that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than that in the initial form. It is a figure when the reflective member 920 is deformed. 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 4A as viewed from the conveyance direction D1 of the paper T. FIG. 4C is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5A is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the first embodiment when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I. The angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than the initial form, and It is a figure when the light reflection member 920 is deform | transformed so that the length in 1 rotation-axis I direction may become longer than an initial form. FIG. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 5A viewed from the conveyance direction D1 of the paper T. FIG. 5C is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 5B.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5C, the fixing device 9 of the first embodiment includes a heating roller 9a as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 9b as a second rotating body, a heater 910, and a light reflecting member. 920, and a first thermistor 970 and a second thermistor 980 as non-contact temperature detection sensors.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3B, the heating roller 9a is a hollow cylindrical rotating roller. The heating roller 9a is configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis I extending in a conveyance width direction (second direction) D2 orthogonal to the conveyance direction D1 of the paper T. For example, the heating roller 9a has a PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) having a thickness of about 30 μm on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical metal roller such as Al (aluminum) having a thickness of about 1 mm. It is configured by providing a release layer made of a heat-resistant coat or film made of a fluororesin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The heating roller 9a is rotatably supported by a case body BD of the apparatus main body M in the printer 1 and other members via a bearing member (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3B, the pressure roller 9b is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 9b so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. The pressure roller 9b is formed shorter than the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction) D2. The midpoint of the pressure roller 9b in the second rotation axis J direction and the midpoint of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I are substantially coincident.
The pressure roller 9b is configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis J parallel to the first rotation axis I of the heating roller 9a. For example, the pressure roller 9b is provided with an elastic layer such as silicone rubber having a thickness of about 5.5 mm and an Asker C hardness of 15 to 60 on the outer peripheral surface of a core metal such as aluminum or iron having a diameter of about 14 mm. Further, the elastic layer is formed by providing a release layer made of a fluororesin such as PFA or PTFE having a thickness of about 50 μm on the surface of the elastic layer.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pressure roller 9b is configured such that a roller shaft 931 parallel to the second rotation axis J protrudes from both end portions in the second rotation axis J direction (second direction D2). The roller shaft 931 is rotatably supported by the case body BD of the apparatus main body M in the printer 1 and other members.
A pressure roller drive unit (not shown) such as an electric motor is connected to the roller shaft 931 of the pressure roller 9b as a second rotating body drive unit that rotationally drives the pressure roller 9b. When the pressure roller 9b is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed by the pressure roller driving unit, the heating roller 9a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 9b is driven and rotated. As a result, a fixing nip N9 is formed between the pressure roller 9b and the heating roller 9a to sandwich the paper T on which the toner image is transferred.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the heater 910 has a cylindrical shape. The heater 910 includes a light emitting unit 910a and a light emitting surface 910b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the light emitting unit 910a. The heater 910 heats the heating roller 9a from the inside by emitting light from the light emitting surface 910b, and heats the fixing nip N9 that is a contact portion between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b. The heater 910 is, for example, a light emitting heater such as a halogen heater or a ceramic heater.

  The heater 910 is disposed along the first rotation axis I of the heating roller 9a inside the heating roller 9a. The heater 910 is attached to the case body BD of the apparatus main body M and other members of the printer 1 via support members (not shown) at both ends in the longitudinal direction protruding from both ends in the first rotation axis I direction of the heating roller 9a. Fixed. The heater 910 heats the paper T that is nipped and conveyed between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b via the heating roller 9a. As a result, the paper T on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing nip N9 and passed therethrough, whereby the toner TN on the paper T is melted and fixed on the paper T.

When the sheet T conveyed to the fixing nip N9 is conveyed after passing through the sheet passing area in the fixing device 9, the toner image is fixed. The “sheet passing area” means that the sheet T conveyed to the fixing nip N9 in the conveyance width direction (second direction) D2 orthogonal to the conveyance direction D1 of the sheet T is sandwiched between the heating rotating belt 9a and the pressure roller 9b. It is an area that passes through. The paper passing area is formed (set) corresponding to the maximum size of paper that can be used in the printer 1 with reference to the center in the transport width direction D2 of the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b.
In the fixing device 9 of the present embodiment, the maximum sheet passing area is set as a sheet passing area in which the sheet T having the maximum width (the maximum length in the first rotation axis I direction) in the transport width direction D2 is transported to the fixing nip N9. To do. For example, when the short side of the A3 size paper T is parallel to the first rotation axis I direction (conveyance width direction D2) of the heating roller 9a (A3T (A3 length)), the A3 size paper T enters the fixing nip N9. A maximum sheet passing area is formed (set) so as to be conveyed. The maximum sheet passing area is set for each printer.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, a first width region 901a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. Specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a, the maximum sheet passing area through which the paper T passes when the paper T having the maximum width, for example, the A3T (A3 vertical) paper T is conveyed to the fixing nip N9. A first width region 901a is formed (set). On the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 9b, a second width region 901b that is the maximum sheet passing region corresponding to the first width region 901a of the heating roller 9a is formed (set).

When the paper T having the maximum width passes, positions corresponding to both ends of the paper T in the first rotation axis I direction are first width region end portions 901e and 901e. That is, the paper T is transported through the first width area 901a as an area inside the first width area end portions 901e and 901e.
The first width region end portions 901e and 901e are in the vicinity of both end portions 902 and 902 of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction (conveyance width direction D2), and from the both end portions 902 and 902 to the first rotation axis I. It is formed (set) at a position separated by a predetermined distance inside the direction.
Here, the length in the width direction parallel to the first rotation axis I in the first width region 901a is the “maximum sheet passing width”. The length in the width direction that is parallel to the first rotation axis I in the transport width direction D2 that intersects the transport direction D1 of each paper T that is transported through the first width region 901a is " Paper width ".

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the light reflecting member 920 is disposed inside the heating roller 9a. The light reflecting member 920 is disposed in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end portions 901e and 901e of the first width region 901a inside the heating roller 9a. The “corresponding position” is a position on the radially inner side of the heating roller 9a (first rotating body) with respect to the first width region end 901e. The vicinity of “the vicinity of the corresponding position” refers to a range within 10 mm in the first rotation axis I direction (conveying width direction D2) of the heating roller 9a with respect to the “corresponding position”.

  In the present embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is configured to be deformable (variable) into a predetermined initial form and a modified form different from the initial form. As a modified form, there are a modified form when the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 to the heater 910 is changed, a modified form when the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed, and the like. The predetermined initial form and modified form will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the light reflecting member 920 is superimposed on the four main reflecting plates 923, 923, 923, and 923 and the outer surface side of the four main reflecting plates 923, 923, 923, and 923. And four sub-reflection plates 924, 924, 924, and 924. The four main reflectors 923, 923, 923, 923 and the four main reflectors 923, 923, 923, 923 are viewed from the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating roller 9a. The annular member is formed in a petal shape that is divided in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 3A).

  The outer edge 921 of the light reflecting member 920 is disposed to face the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. The inner peripheral edge 922 of the light reflecting member 920 is disposed in the vicinity of the heater 910 so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the heater 910. The outer edge 921 is located on the inner side in the first rotation axis I direction than the inner peripheral edge 922.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, each of the main reflecting plate 923 and the sub-reflecting plate 924 is a light reflecting surface formed in a concave shape (curved surface) on the inner side in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating roller 9a. It has a main reflection surface 926 and a sub-reflection surface 927 (curved surface portion) as 925. The main reflection surface 926 and the sub reflection surface 927 are arranged with a predetermined angle α with respect to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910.

  The light reflecting member 920 is made of a light metal such as SUS or aluminum, for example. The main reflection surface 926 and the sub-reflection surface 927 are formed by coating, for example, a concave curved surface with a heat reflection film (for example, a gold film). Thereby, the light reflecting member 920 reflects the light from the heater 910.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the four main reflectors 923, 923, 923, and 923 in the light reflecting member 920 are ring-shaped disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (second direction D2) of the heater 910. Attached to member 929.
The ring-shaped member 929 is formed in an annular shape having a circular cross section in the radial direction. The ring-shaped member 929 is disposed so as to face the inner peripheral edge along the outer peripheral surface of the heater 910. Inner peripheral edges 922, 922, 922, and 922 of the four main reflectors 923, 923, 923, and 923 are rotatably connected to the ring-shaped member 929 via connection portions (not shown). When the main reflector 923 rotates around the inner peripheral edges 922, 922, 922, 922 with respect to the ring-shaped member 929, the angle α of the main reflector 926 in the main reflector 923 with respect to the light emitting surface 910 b in the heater 910 is It is configured to be changeable.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, each of the four sub-reflecting plates 924, 924, 924, 924 of the light reflecting member 920 has a first corresponding to the corresponding four main reflecting plates 923, 923, 923, 923, respectively. It arrange | positions so that it may overlap with the rotating shaft I direction outer side. The inner surfaces of the four sub-reflecting plates 924, 924, 924, and 924 in the first rotation axis I direction are the outer surfaces of the four main reflecting plates 923, 923, 923, and 923 in the first rotation axis I direction, respectively. It is arranged in contact with or close to the surface. Each of the four sub-reflection plates 924, 924, 924, and 924 is configured to be slidable along the outer surface of each of the four main reflection plates 923, 923, 923, and 923. The light reflecting member 920 can change the length of the light reflecting member 920 in the first rotation axis I direction by sliding the sub-reflecting plates 924, 924, 924, 924.
Thereby, the area of the light reflecting surface 925 facing the inner side in the first rotation axis I direction in the light reflecting member 920 is increased or decreased.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, four operation bars 928, 928, 928, 928 are attached to the four sub-reflection plates 924, 924, 924, 924 of the light reflecting member 920. One end of the operating rod 928 is attached to the outer edge 921 of the sub-reflecting plate 924 via openings 903 formed at both ends of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction. As a result, the light reflecting member 920 reflects the angle α and the shape of reflecting the light on the main reflecting surface 926 of each main reflecting plate 923 and the sub reflecting surface 927 of the sub reflecting plate 924 by pushing or pulling the operation rod 928 ( The area is configured to be deformable (variable).

  Specifically, the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 is changed by changing the inclination angle α of the light reflecting member 920 by pushing or pulling the operation rod 928. Further, by sliding the sub-reflecting plate 924 along the outer surface of the main reflecting plate 923 by pushing or pulling the operating rod 928, the length of the light reflecting member 920 in the first rotation axis I direction (light reflecting surface) 925 area).

  The ring-shaped member 929 is fixed to the case body BD of the apparatus main body M in the printer 1 and other members. The operation bar 928 is supported by a receiving member (not shown) fixed to the case body BD of the apparatus main body M and other members in the printer 1. The operation rod 928 is supported so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (second direction D2) of the heater 910, the direction along the main reflection plate 923, and the like. The operation rod 928 is driven via a deformation unit 102, for example, an actuator (not shown) such as a cylinder.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the light reflecting member 920 in the predetermined initial form is disposed so as to face the vicinity of the position where the outer edge 921 corresponds to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. Is done. The light reflecting member 920 is disposed in the vicinity of the heater 910 so that the inner peripheral edge 922 faces the outer peripheral surface of the heater 910. Specifically, the light reflecting member 920 is formed from the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a to the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the heater 910 in a state where the main reflecting plate 923 and the sub-reflecting plate 924 are overlapped. The light reflecting member 920 is disposed at an angle K where the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the heater 910 is slightly smaller than a right angle.
In the initial configuration, as shown in FIG. 3C, at least a part of the light from the heater 910 is reflected so as to be directed to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. The Further, the light emitted from the heater 910 is suppressed by the light reflecting member 920 from going outside the first width region end 901e.
Further, since the radiant heat from the heater 910 is shielded by the light reflecting member 920, heat radiation to the outside is suppressed from the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, as a modified form different from the initial form, for example, there is a modified form in which the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 with respect to the heater 910 is changed.
As shown in FIG. 4C, the light reflecting member 920 can be deformed so that the angle α with respect to the heater 910 of the light reflecting member 920 is changed from the initial form (see FIG. 3C). Specifically, the light reflecting member 920 is configured such that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than the angle α (for example, K degrees) in the initial configuration (for example, K degrees) (see FIG. 3C). It can be transformed to
A modification in which the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 with respect to the heater 910 is changed is a form in which the angle α on the light reflecting surface 925 is set to an angle α that reflects toward the central portion side in the first rotation axis I direction. Specifically, the main reflecting plate 923 in the light reflecting member 920 is rotated so that the outer edge 921 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a around the inner peripheral edge 922, thereby reducing the angle α. .
This is because the central portion of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction when the paper T is continuously printed (a predetermined number or more of the paper T is continuously conveyed through the first width region 901a). Since heat consumption in the vicinity is large, the light is directed toward the central portion in the first rotation axis I direction.
The angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b can be changed as appropriate within a range where the light reflecting member 920 does not contact the heating roller 9a and the heater 910.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, as a modified form different from the initial form, for example, there is a modified form in which the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed.
As shown in FIG. 5C, the light reflecting member 920 can be deformed so as to have a modified form in which the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed from the initial form (see FIG. 3C). Specifically, the light reflecting member 920 can be deformed so that the outer edge 921 of the light reflecting member 920 is directed to a position corresponding to a position on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a through which the outer edges in the width direction of various sheets T pass. It is.
The modification in which the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed is a form in which the length of the light reflecting member 920 in the first rotation axis I direction is changed to a length corresponding to the type of the paper T. Specifically, the light reflecting member 920 is extended so that the outer edge 921 approaches a position corresponding to the position where the outer edge in the width direction of the various sheets T passes on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a.
This is because the sheet passing width of the sheet T (the length in the width direction parallel to the first rotation axis I in the direction intersecting the transport direction D1 of the sheet T) differs depending on the type of the sheet T. Light is efficiently irradiated in the vicinity of a position corresponding to an area (sheet passing area) on the inner peripheral surface of the first width area 901a through which the paper T passes.

Here, the paper T has a plurality of types (size and transport direction). For example, the paper T includes, in descending order, A3 size paper, A4 size paper, A5 size paper, and the like. Each of the various papers T has a different length in the vertical direction (direction parallel to the long side) and a length in the horizontal direction (direction parallel to the short side). For this reason, the sheet passing width varies depending on the type of the sheet T and the sheet passing direction.
For example, when the paper T is passed through the fixing nip N9 in a state where the short side of the paper T is parallel to the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating roller 9a, the paper T is longitudinal (long side is long). Paper is fed in a direction parallel to the transport direction D1). Further, when the paper T is passed through the fixing nip N9 in a state in which the long side of the paper T is parallel to the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating roller 9a, the paper T is lateral (the short side is Paper is fed in a direction parallel to the transport direction D1).
In the present embodiment, for example, the paper T when the A3 size paper T is passed in the vertical direction is referred to as “A3T (A3 vertical) paper T”. The paper T when the A4 size paper T is passed in the vertical direction is referred to as “A4T (A4 vertical) paper T”. The paper T when the A5 size paper T is passed in the vertical direction is referred to as “A5T (A5 vertical) paper T”. In the present embodiment, the sheet passing width when the A3T sheet T is passed through the fixing device 9 is the maximum sheet passing width. The paper passing width of the paper T is, in order from the A3T paper T, the A4T paper T, and the A5T paper T, the paper passing width when the A3T paper T is passed, and the A4T paper T is passed. Is the sheet passing width when the A5T sheet T is passed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, when A5T (A5 portrait) paper T is conveyed through the first width region 901a, the paper T is shorter than the maximum paper passage width X1. Are conveyed through the first width region 901a. That is, the A5T (A5 portrait) paper T is conveyed through the first width region 901a in the paper passing width X2 shorter than the maximum paper passing width X1.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the light reflecting member 920 can be deformed from an initial form (see FIG. 3B) to a deformed form corresponding to the type of the paper T. When the sheet passing width X2 of the sheet T is shorter than the maximum sheet passing width X1, the light reflecting member 920 is deformed so that the length in the first rotation axis I direction is longer than the length of the light reflecting member 920 in the initial form. Is possible. That is, the light reflecting member 920 is deformed so that the outer edge 921 approaches a position corresponding to the position through which the outer edge in the width direction of the various sheets T on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a passes.

In the modification in which the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the light reflecting member 920 does not allow the light T emitted from the heater 910 to pass through the paper T in the first width region 901a. The light is radiated from the heater 910 toward the position corresponding to the area (sheet passing area) through which the paper T passes in the first width area 901a. To reflect.
Note that the length of the light reflecting member 920 can be appropriately changed as long as it does not contact the inner surface of the heating roller 9a. The light reflecting member 920 gradually slides in the direction of the first rotation axis I while maintaining the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 with respect to the heater 910 by sliding the four sub-reflecting plates 924, 924, 924, and 924 in stages. Can be extended.

Here, when the light reflecting member 920 is deformed corresponding to a small size paper T (for example, A5T (A5 vertical) paper T), the outer edge 921 of the sub-reflecting plate 924 is moved to the first width region (through the paper T). In order to oppose the vicinity of the end portion 901e of the (paper region) 901a, the angle α is changed to a predetermined angle, and the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed. Specifically, the light reflecting member 920 is deformed so that the angle α is smaller than that in the initial form, and the sub-reflecting plate 924 is slid so that the length of the light reflecting member 920 is increased.
In the present embodiment, one sub-reflecting plate 924 is stacked on the main reflecting plate 923, but a configuration in which a plurality of sub-reflecting plates are stacked may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first thermistor 970 as a non-contact type temperature detection sensor is close to the center of the surface of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2). Opposed. The first thermistor 970 detects the temperature of the central portion in the direction of the first rotation axis I on the surface of the heating roller 9a. The second thermistor 980 is disposed opposite to and close to a position corresponding to the first width region end 901e near both ends in the first rotation axis I direction on the surface of the heating roller 9a. The second thermistor 980 detects the temperature at or near the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e near both ends in the first rotation axis I direction on the surface of the heating roller 9a.

  A thermostat 990 is electrically connected to the first thermistor 970 and the second thermistor 980. The thermostat 990 is at or near the temperature corresponding to the temperature at the center of the heating roller 9a detected by the first thermistor 970 in the first rotation axis I direction and the first width region end 901e detected by the second thermistor 980. The amount of heat generated by the heater 910 is automatically adjusted so that the heating roller 9a is maintained at a predetermined temperature necessary for fixing by changing the electric resistance value based on the temperature of the heater.

The deformation unit 102 can deform (variably) the shape of the light reflecting member 920. In the startup mode in which the fixing device 9 is in the startup state, the deforming unit 102 can make the light reflecting member 920 have a predetermined initial form.
In the image forming mode in which the sheet T on which the toner image is transferred passes through (fixes) the first width region 901a, the deforming unit 102 sets the light reflecting member 920 as the initial form or the initial form. It is possible to adopt a different modification form.

Next, functional blocks in the characteristic part of the printer 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a continuous transport form table 137 included in the continuous transport form information storage unit 136. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a type form table 139 included in the type form information storage unit 138.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the printer 1 includes a receiving unit 105, a control unit 120, and a memory 130.
The accepting unit 105 can accept image formation instruction information including sheet number information regarding the number of sheets T on which an image is formed and type information regarding the type of the sheet T. The accepting unit 105 outputs the accepted image formation instruction information to the control unit 120 described later.
The number information regarding the paper T in the image formation instruction information includes the number information regarding the paper T received by the operation unit (not shown) of the printer 1 and the paper T received from an external device such as a PC (personal computer). Number information is included.
The type information regarding the type of the paper T in the image formation instruction information includes the size standard (the length in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction) regarding the type of the paper T and the transport direction (the vertical direction or the horizontal direction) of the paper T. Information).

The control unit 120 includes a continuous determination unit 121, a type detection unit 122, a mode setting unit 123, a deformation control unit 124, and a temperature determination unit 125.
The continuity determination unit 121 determines whether or not a predetermined number of sheets T or more are continuously conveyed through the first width area 901a based on the number information included in the image formation instruction information input by the reception unit 105. judge. The continuous determination unit 121 outputs the determination result determined by the continuous determination unit 121 to the deformation control unit 124. For example, the continuous determination unit 121 determines that the paper T is continuously transported when five or more sheets T are transported continuously. The continuous determination unit 121 determines that the paper T is transported discontinuously when four or less sheets of the paper T are transported continuously.

  The type detection unit 122 detects the type (size and conveyance direction) of the paper T based on the type information included in the image formation instruction information input by the reception unit 105. The type detection unit 122 outputs the detection result to the deformation control unit 124.

  The mode setting unit 123 puts the fixing device 9 into a start-up mode when power is supplied to the fixing device 9. The startup mode is a mode when the fixing device 9 is in the startup state. When the paper T on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed through the first width area 901a, the mode setting unit 123 shifts from the start mode to the image forming mode, or from the power saving mode described later to the start mode. . The mode setting unit 123 shifts from the startup mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined time elapses in a state where the image forming mode in the startup mode can be shifted. The power saving mode is a power saving mode when the heat generation operation of the heater 910 in the fixing device 9 is stopped.

  In the startup mode, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 to a predetermined initial form. Further, in the image forming mode, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 in the initial form, or causes the deformation unit 102 to change to a deformation form different from the initial form. Can be directed.

  Temperature information measured (detected) by the second thermistor 980 is input to the temperature determination unit 125. Further, the temperature determination unit 125 determines whether the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature TA.

The memory 130 includes an initial form information storage unit 131 and a modified form information storage unit 135.
The initial form information storage unit 131 stores form information relating to a predetermined initial form. Specifically, the initial form information storage unit 131 is configured to arrange the light reflecting member 920 so as to face the vicinity of the position where the outer edge 921 corresponds to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. A predetermined initial form is stored.
The deformation form information storage unit 135 stores form information relating to the deformation form. The deformation form information storage unit 135 includes a continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136 and a type form information storage unit 138.
The continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136 stores form information relating to an initial form or a modified form corresponding to a case where a predetermined number or more of sheets T are continuously conveyed through the first width area 901a. The continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136 includes a continuous conveyance form table 137.

The continuous conveyance form table 137 will be described with reference to FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the continuous conveyance form table 137 stores an angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910 b corresponding to the discontinuous / continuous state of the paper T and the type of the paper T. For example, when the paper T is transported discontinuously, the continuous transport form table 137 stores information that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is the initial form angle K degrees. . In the continuous conveyance mode table 137, when the paper T is continuously conveyed, the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is a degree for A3 vertical (A3T) paper T, and A4T. Information is stored that is b degrees for the (A4 portrait) paper T and c degrees for the A5 portrait (A5T).
The information stored in the continuous conveyance form table 137 is read from the continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136 when the continuous determination unit 121 determines that the paper T is conveyed non-continuously / continuously. The deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 based on the information stored in the read continuous conveyance form table 137.

The type form information storage unit 138 stores form information in which the type (size and transport direction) of the paper T is associated with the initial form or modified form corresponding to the type of the paper T. The kind form information storage unit 138 includes a kind form table 139.
The type form table 139 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the type form table 139 stores the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 corresponding to the type of the paper T with respect to the light emitting surface 910 b and the length of the light reflecting member 920. For example, when A3T (A3 portrait) paper T is transported to the type form table 139, the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b is A degrees, and the length of the light reflecting member 920 is set. Is stored as information having a length of 0 level. Further, when A4T (A4 portrait) paper is conveyed to the type form table 139, the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b is B degrees, and the length of the light reflecting member 920 is the length. Information that the length is one step is stored. When the A5 portrait (A5T) sheet is conveyed to the type form table 139, the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b is C degrees, and the length of the light reflecting member 920 is two stages. Is stored.

  The information stored in the kind form table 139 is read from the kind form information storage unit 138 when the kind of the paper T is detected by the type detection unit 122. The deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 based on the information stored in the read type form table 139. Specifically, when the type of the paper T is detected, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 to the initial form or the deformation form.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 including the fixing device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 5C.
In the first embodiment, when the printer 1 is turned on, the charging unit 10, the laser scanner unit 4, the developing device 16, the transfer roller 8, and the printer control unit (not shown) are supplied from the power source unit (not shown). Electric power is supplied to each of the fixing device 9 and the heater 910. The charging unit 10, the laser scanner unit 4, the developing device 16, the transfer roller 8, the fixing device 9, and the heater 910 are controlled by control signals from the printer control unit.

  Specifically, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the paper T sent out from the registration roller pair 80 is conveyed to the transfer nip N between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 8 through the first conveyance path L1. Is done. When the paper T is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 2 as described above, first, the charging unit 10 charges the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 2, and the laser scanner unit 4 includes a laser light source (not shown). The photosensitive drum 2 is irradiated with laser light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 where the laser light is irradiated.

Subsequently, the developing device 16 supplies the charged toner to the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing roller 17. As a result, the toner image is developed by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.
Further, subsequently, the transfer roller 8 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 to the paper T passing between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 8.

  The sheet T on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 9 through the second conveyance path L2. Specifically, the paper T on which the toner image is formed is conveyed to between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b (transfer nip) in the fixing device 9.

When the heater 910 receives a predetermined control signal output from the printer control unit, the heat generation operation is started. Specifically, when the printer control unit receives a power-on signal or image formation instruction information in the printer 1, the printer control unit instructs the heater 910 to start a heat generation operation (for example, light emission).
At the same time, when the heater 910 receives a predetermined control signal output from the printer control unit, power supply from the power supply unit to the pressure roller driving unit (not shown) is started. As a result, the pressure roller 9b is driven to rotate, and the heating roller 9a is driven to rotate along with the rotation of the pressure roller 9b.

<First embodiment>
Here, the operation of the fixing device 9 in the first embodiment of the modified embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a determination method by the temperature determination unit 125 in the printer 1 of the first embodiment.
First, in step ST <b> 101, when the printer 1 is turned on, the power supply unit supplies power to the fixing device 9.
Here, the fixing device 9 is in a first start-up mode in which the power supply is in a start-up state when power is supplied from the power supply unit. The mode setting unit 123 sets the fixing device 9 in the first startup mode when power is supplied from the power supply unit.
Further, when power is supplied from the power supply unit, the heater 910 constituting the fixing device 9 starts a heat generating operation.

  In step ST102, the deformation control unit 124 acquires form information related to a predetermined initial form from the initial form information storage unit 131. In the predetermined initial form stored in the initial form information storage unit 131, the light reflecting member 920 is disposed so as to face the vicinity of the position where the outer edge 921 corresponds to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. It is a form to be made.

  In step ST103, when the light reflection member 920 is in the initial form, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to maintain the current form (initial form). In addition, when the light reflecting member 920 is not in the initial form, the deformation control unit 124 sets the light reflecting member 920 to the initial form based on the form information regarding the initial form stored in the initial form information storage unit 131. The deformation unit 102 is instructed.

In step ST <b> 104, the deformation unit 102 maintains the form of the light reflecting member 920 based on the instruction of the deformation control unit 124, or deforms it from another form to the initial form. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the light reflecting member 920 is disposed to face the vicinity of the position where the outer edge 921 corresponds to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. .
In the initial form, as shown in FIG. 3C, a part of the light from the heater 910 is reflected toward the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. Therefore, the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a is efficiently heated and the temperature is increased.

  In step ST105, as shown in FIG. 10, a temperature at or near the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a measured by the second thermistor 980 is input to the temperature determination unit 125. The temperature determination unit 125 outputs a determination signal to the mode setting unit 123 when the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 exceeds a predetermined temperature. Then, the process proceeds to step ST106. If the temperature corresponding to or near the first width region end 901e measured by the second thermistor 980 does not exceed the predetermined temperature, the temperature determination unit 125 returns to step ST105.

  In step ST106, in the first startup mode immediately after the power is turned on, if the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the mode setting unit 123 causes the fixing device 9 to move from the first startup mode to the image. It is in a state where it is possible to shift to the formation mode.

  In step ST107, when the accepting unit 105 does not receive the image forming instruction information within a predetermined time in a state where the image forming mode in the first start-up mode can be entered (ST107: No), the process proceeds to step ST108. When the accepting unit 105 receives image formation instruction information within a predetermined time in a state where the image forming mode can be shifted to the first start-up mode (ST107: Yes), the process proceeds to step ST111 described later.

  In step ST108, the fixing device 9 shifts from the startup mode to the power saving mode (waiting state) in order to save power when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the image forming mode in the first startup mode can be shifted. . The mode setting unit 123 sets the fixing device 9 in the power saving mode (waiting state) until the receiving unit 105 receives the image formation instruction information. When the fixing device 9 is set to the power saving mode, the heater 910 enters a power saving state in which the heat generation operation is stopped.

In step ST109, when the receiving unit 105 receives the image formation instruction information, the mode setting unit 123 shifts the fixing device 9 from the power saving mode (waiting state) to the second startup mode (starting state). In the second start-up mode, the temperature of the heating roller 9a that has decreased due to the heat generation operation of the heater 910 being stopped is raised.
Specifically, the reception unit 105 receives image formation instruction information output from an external device such as a PC (personal computer) via an external input unit (not shown). The accepting unit 105 outputs the accepted image formation instruction information to the control unit 120. The mode setting unit 123 included in the control unit 120 shifts the fixing device 9 from the power saving mode (waiting state) to the second startup mode (starting state).
Here, the image formation instruction information includes sheet number information relating to the number of sheets T on which an image is formed and type information relating to the type (size and transport direction) of the sheet T.

  In step ST110, as shown in FIG. 10, the temperature determination unit 125 receives the temperature at or near the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a measured by the second thermistor 980. The temperature determination unit 125 outputs a determination signal to the mode setting unit 123 when the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 exceeds a predetermined temperature (ST110: Yes). Then, the process proceeds to step ST111. When the temperature corresponding to or near the first width region end 901e measured by the second thermistor 980 does not exceed the predetermined temperature (ST110: No), the temperature determination unit 125 returns to step ST110.

In step ST111, the mode setting unit 123 shifts the fixing device 9 from the start-up mode to the image forming mode (image forming state) based on the determination signal output to the temperature determination unit 125.
The image forming mode is a state in which the printer 1 can print on the paper T. Specifically, the image forming mode is a mode in which the paper T on which the toner image is transferred passes (fixes) the first width region 901a.

  In step ST112, the continuity determination unit 121, for example, based on the sheet number information regarding the number of sheets T included in the image formation instruction information received by the receiving unit 105, for example, five or more sheets T are continuously displayed in the first width region. It is determined whether it is conveyed (printed) through 901a. The continuous determination unit 121 outputs the determination result determined by the continuous determination unit 121 to the deformation control unit 124.

In step ST113, the deformation control unit 124 acquires form information stored in the continuous conveyance form table 137 in the continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136 based on the determination result determined by the continuous determination unit 121. For example, when the continuous determination unit 121 determines that the number information that five or more sheets of A3T (A3 portrait) paper T are continuously printed is determined by the continuous determination unit 121, the deformation control unit 124 determines Based on the determination result, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the configuration information is acquired that transforms the light reflecting member 920 into a modified configuration in which the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 is a degree. In addition, when the continuous determination unit 109 determines that the number of sheets that A3T (A3 portrait) paper T is continuously printed is less than five, based on the determination result determined by the continuous determination unit 109. The morphological information is acquired by setting the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 of the light reflecting surface 925 as an angle K degree of the initial shape.
The continuous conveyance form table 137 stores form information related to the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b corresponding to the type of the paper T in continuous printing or non-continuous printing of the paper T. Accordingly, the light reflecting member 920 corresponds to the type (size) of the paper T, and suppresses a temperature drop in the central portion of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction due to continuous printing. It can be modified into a form in which the light from the heater 910 is reflected toward the central portion side in the direction of one rotation axis I.

  In step ST114, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 in a predetermined deformation form or an initial form based on the form information stored in the continuous conveyance form information storage unit 136.

In step ST115, the deformation unit 102 deforms the light reflecting member 920 so as to be in a deformed form or an initial form based on an instruction from the deformation control unit 124.
For example, based on the determination result that the A3T (A3 portrait) paper T is continuously printed by five or more sheets by the continuous determination unit 121, the deforming unit 102 is a light reflecting member as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. 920 is deformed so that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is a degree smaller than the angle α (K degrees) of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b in the initial configuration. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the light reflecting member 920 reflects light from the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 toward the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a toward the central portion in the first rotation axis I direction. Let
As a result, in response to the consumption of heat energy when five or more A3T (A3 portrait) sheets T are continuously conveyed, the heater 910 is moved toward the center of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction. Is reflected by the light reflecting member 920. Thereby, the temperature fall of the center part of the 1st rotating shaft I direction in the heating roller 9a in which the paper T is conveyed can be suppressed.

During the fixing operation as described above by the fixing device 9, the heating roller 9a is heated from the inside of the heating roller 9a by the light emitted from the heater 910 arranged inside the heating roller 9a, and the heated heat Is transmitted to the fixing nip N9.
The fixing device 9 applies heat to the toner image formed on the paper T passing between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b via the heating roller 9a heated by the heater 910. Pressure is applied by the pressure roller 9b. As a result, the toner TN constituting the toner image is dissolved, and the toner image is fixed on the paper T.

<Second embodiment>
Subsequently, the operation of the fixing device 9 in the modified second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 8, 10, and 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer 1 of the second embodiment. The second embodiment of the modified embodiment will be described mainly with respect to differences from the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is appropriately applied to points that are not particularly described. Also in the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the operations from step ST201 to step ST211 in the second embodiment are the same as the operations from step ST101 to step ST111 in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In step ST212, the type detection unit 122 detects the type of the paper T based on the type information regarding the type (size and conveyance direction) of the paper T included in the image formation instruction information received by the reception unit 105. The type detection unit 122 outputs type information regarding the type of the detected paper T to the deformation control unit 124.

In step ST213, the deformation control unit 124 acquires the form information stored in the type form table 139 in the type form information storage unit 138 based on the type information regarding the type of the paper T detected by the type detection unit 122. For example, when the type detection unit 122 detects that the type information that the A5T (A5 portrait) paper T is printed, the deformation control unit 124 determines the type related to the type of the paper T detected by the type detection unit 122. Based on the information, as shown in FIG. 5C, the light reflecting member 920 is deformed so that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 is C degrees, and the length of the light reflecting member 920 is two steps in length. Acquire form information about the form.
The type form table 139 stores form information regarding the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b and the length of the light reflecting member 920 corresponding to the type of the paper T in continuous printing or non-continuous printing of the paper T. Yes. Accordingly, the light reflecting member 920 shields the light from the heater 910 so as not to go to the range corresponding to the non-sheet passing region of the paper T, and the light from the heater 910 corresponds to the paper passing region of the paper T. It can be transformed into a form of reflecting so as to go to.

  In step ST214, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 to a predetermined deformation form or an initial form based on the form information stored in the type form information storage unit 138.

In step ST215, the deformation | transformation part 102 deform | transforms the light reflection member 920 so that it may be set as a deformation | transformation form or an initial form based on the instruction | indication of the deformation | transformation control part 124. FIG.
For example, when the small-size A5T (A5 portrait) paper T is printed, the deformation unit 102 is based on the detection information that the A5T (A5 portrait) paper T is printed by the type detection unit 122. As shown in FIG. 5C, the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b of the light reflecting surface 925 is smaller than the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b in the initial configuration (see FIG. 3C). The length in the first rotation axis I direction is deformed so as to be longer than the length in the initial form.
As a result, the light reflecting member 920 blocks the light from the heater 910 so as not to go to the range corresponding to the non-sheet passing region of the A5T (A5 vertical) paper T, and the light from the heater 910 is blocked from the paper T. Reflection is directed toward the position corresponding to the paper passing area. Thereby, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated within a range necessary for fixing corresponding to the type (size) of the paper T.

<Other embodiments>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the operation of the fixing device 9 in another embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer 1 according to another embodiment.
The other embodiments will be described mainly with respect to differences from the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as the other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted. In the other embodiments, the description of the other embodiments is appropriately applied to points that are not particularly described. In the other embodiments, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
Another embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light reflecting member 920 can be changed to an initial form or a modified form different from the initial form even when the fixing device 9 is not shifted to the image forming mode. Different from the second embodiment.

First, in step ST <b> 301, when the printer 1 is turned on, the power supply unit supplies power to the fixing device 9. The fixing device 9 starts up when power is supplied from the power supply unit. Further, when power is supplied from the power supply unit, the heater 910 constituting the fixing device 9 starts a heat generating operation.
Here, within a predetermined time from when the fixing device 9 is started up, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 in a predetermined initial form.

Here, the operations from step ST302 to step ST304 in the other embodiments (see FIG. 12) are the same as the operations from step ST102 to step ST104 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9), so detailed description will be given. Is omitted.
In step ST302, the deformation control unit 124 acquires form information related to a predetermined initial form from the initial form information storage unit 131.
In step ST303, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the light reflecting member 920 in the initial form.
In step ST304, the deforming unit 102 is deformed so as to have an initial form.

In step ST305, as in step ST105 in the first embodiment, the temperature determination unit 125 has a temperature at or near the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a measured by the second thermistor 980. Entered.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the temperature determination unit 125 outputs a determination signal to the mode setting unit 123 when the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 exceeds a predetermined temperature TA (ST305: Yes). Then, the process proceeds to step ST306. If the temperature at or near the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e measured by the second thermistor 980 does not exceed the predetermined temperature TA (ST305: No), the temperature determination unit 125 returns to step ST305.

  In step ST306, as shown in FIG. 10, when the temperature measured by the second thermistor 980 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the deformation control unit 124 deforms the light reflecting member 920 different from a predetermined initial form or an initial form. The deformable unit 102 can be instructed so as to be in the form. Specifically, when the temperature in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a exceeds a predetermined temperature, the deformation control unit 124 is in a state in which the deformation unit 102 can be instructed.

In step ST307, the deformation control unit 124, for example, based on the image formation instruction information input to the control unit 120, the deformation unit so that the light reflecting member 920 has a predetermined initial form or a different form from the initial form. 102 is instructed. If the temperature in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a exceeds the predetermined temperature TA, the light reflecting member 920 may be deformed (maintained) into an initial form or a deformed form different from the initial form. it can.
Therefore, even in the case where the image forming mode is not shifted as in the first and second embodiments, the light reflecting member 920 can be in an initial form or a modified form different from the initial form.

  In step ST308, the deformation control unit 124 deforms the light reflecting member 920 into an initial form or a deformed form different from the initial form. About the aspect of a deformation | transformation form, since it is the same as that of Example 1 and Example 2, description is abbreviate | omitted.

According to the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the following effects are produced.
In the printer 1 of the first embodiment, when the maximum width sheet T is conveyed to the fixing nip N9, the end portion of the first width area of the first width area 901a that is the maximum sheet passing area on the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. The light reflecting member 920 is disposed in the vicinity of the position corresponding to 901e. The light reflecting member 920 has a light reflecting surface 925 that reflects light from the heater 910, and has a variable configuration including an angle α and a shape (area) of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b. Therefore, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated by the heater 910, and a predetermined region in the first width region (maximum sheet passing region) 901a of the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated.

  In the first embodiment, the deformation control unit 124 instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the initial form in the start-up mode, and instructs the deformation unit 102 to set the initial form in the image forming mode. An instruction is given to the deforming unit 102 so as to make a modification form different from the initial form. Therefore, in the start-up mode and the image forming mode, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated to raise the temperature. As a result, the heat energy required for heating the heating roller 9a to a predetermined temperature required for fixing to increase the temperature can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, in the start-up mode, the light reflecting member 920 has a position where a part of the light from the heater 910 corresponds to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a. It can be set as the initial form reflected toward the vicinity. Therefore, the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated to raise the temperature. Thereby, it is possible to increase the speed of the temperature rise of the entire first width region 901a. As a result, the warm-up time at the start of fixing can be shortened.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 has an initial form or a modified form when it is determined that a predetermined number or more of sheets T are continuously conveyed through the first width region 901a. Become. Therefore, the light reflecting member 920 can be deformed to reflect the light from the heater 910 toward the center of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction while corresponding to the type (size) of the paper T. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently heat the heating roller 9a and raise the temperature in accordance with the consumption of heat energy when a predetermined number of sheets T or more are continuously conveyed.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 has the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910 when it is determined that a predetermined number of sheets T or more are continuously conveyed through the first width region 901a. Is reflected toward the inner peripheral surface of the heating roller 9a toward the central portion in the first rotation axis I direction. Therefore, the light from the heater 910 is condensed on the central portion side in the first rotation axis I direction of the heating roller 9a. Thereby, the temperature fall of the center part of the 1st rotating shaft I direction in the heating roller 9a by continuous printing can be suppressed.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is transported by passing through the first width region 901a a continuous number of sheets T of which the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 to the light emitting surface 910b is a predetermined number or more. Is determined to be smaller than the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b in the initial form. Therefore, the light from the heater 910 can be condensed on the central portion side in the first rotation axis I direction of the heating roller 9a with a simple configuration. Thereby, the temperature fall of the center part of the 1st rotating shaft I direction in the heating roller 9a by continuous printing can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 can have an initial form or a modified form corresponding to the type of the paper T. Therefore, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated to raise the temperature corresponding to the type of the paper T.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is the type of the paper T when the length in the width direction of the paper T (paper passing width) is shorter than the length of the first width region 901a (maximum paper passing width). It deform | transforms into the deformation | transformation form corresponding to. Therefore, when a small size paper T is conveyed, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated within a range necessary for fixing the paper T on the heating roller 9a.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 has an initial angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b when the length in the width direction of the paper T is shorter than the length of the first width region 901a. In the embodiment, the light reflecting surface 925 is deformed so as to be smaller than the angle α with respect to the light emitting surface 910b and the length in the first rotation axis I direction is longer than the length in the initial form. Therefore, the light reflecting member 920 shields the light from the heater 910 so as not to go to a range corresponding to a non-sheet passing region of a small size paper T (for example, A5T (A5 portrait) paper T) and the heater. The light from 910 is reflected so as to go to the position corresponding to the paper passing area of the small size paper T. Thereby, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated within a range necessary for fixing corresponding to the type (size) of the paper T.

In the first embodiment, a second thermistor 980 and a temperature determination unit 125 are provided. Therefore, the light reflecting member 920 is in an initial form within a predetermined time from when the fixing device 9 is started up, and the temperature in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e in the heating roller 9a exceeds the predetermined temperature TA. If it exceeds, it will be in the state which can deform | transform (maintain) the light reflection member 920 in the deformation | transformation form different from an initial form or an initial form. Thereby, it is possible to heat the heating roller 9a efficiently and raise the temperature.
Further, with a simple configuration including the second thermistor 980 and the temperature determination unit 125, the heating roller 9a can be efficiently heated to raise the temperature.

Second Embodiment
Next, the fixing device 9A of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the second embodiment viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I, and is a view in a case where the light reflecting member is in the initial form. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fixing device 9 according to the second embodiment viewed from the conveyance direction D1 of the paper T, and the light is reflected so that the angle α of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b is smaller than the initial form. It is a figure when the reflective member 920 is deformed.
The second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to differences from the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is appropriately applied to points that are not particularly described. Also in the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the fixing device 9 </ b> A according to the second embodiment includes a heating rotary belt 9 a as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 9 b as a second rotating body, a pressure receiving member 940, and a support. A member 960, two heaters 910, 910, a light reflecting member 920, and a first thermistor 970 and a second thermistor 980 as temperature measuring sensors are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the heating rotary belt 9a is a rotary belt that is annular and has flexibility and heat resistance. The heating rotary belt 9a is configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis I extending in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the transport direction D1 of the paper T. For example, the heating rotary belt 9a is provided with an elastic layer of silicone rubber having a thickness of about 200 to 500 μm on the outer peripheral surface of a metal belt such as SUS (stainless steel) or Ni steel having a thickness of about 30 to 50 μm. A mold release comprising a heat-resistant film made of a fluororesin such as PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) having a thickness of about 30 μm on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer Constructed by providing layers.

  The two heaters 910 and 910 are installed on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 13) and the upstream side (right side in FIG. 13) in the transport direction D1 with respect to the support member 960 inside the heating rotating belt 9a. These two heaters 910 apply heat to the paper T that is nipped and conveyed between the heating rotary belt 9a and the pressure roller 9b via the heating rotary belt 9a. As a result, the paper T on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing nip N9 and passed therethrough, whereby the toner TN on the paper T is melted and fixed on the paper T.

As shown in FIG. 13, the pressure receiving member 940 is formed to extend long in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating rotary belt 9a inside the heating rotary belt 9a. The pressure receiving member 940 is fixed to both ends of the casing (not shown) in the longitudinal direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
The pressure receiving member 940 is a member that forms a fixing nip N9 with the pressure roller 9b via the heating rotary belt 9a. The pressure receiving member 940 needs to have a certain strength or higher in order to receive the pressure received by the heating rotary belt 9a from the pressure roller 9b. Further, since the pressure receiving member 940 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotating belt 9a, it is necessary to have excellent heat capacity, heat resistance, wear resistance, and the like. In order to satisfy these necessary conditions, the pressure receiving member 940 is made of, for example, SUS (stainless steel). In addition, if the said conditions are provided, the pressure receiving member 940 can also be comprised from resin.

  A specific configuration of the pressure receiving member 940 will be described. The pressure receiving member 940 includes a sliding contact flat plate portion 941 slidably contacting the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotating belt 9a, two side plate portions 942 and 942 extending perpendicularly to the sliding contact flat plate portion 941, and these two Two inclined plate portions 943 and 943 that connect the two side plate portions 942 and 942 and the sliding contact flat plate portion 941. The pressure receiving member 940 has a C-shape that is open toward the radial center of the heating rotary belt 9a in the cross section of the heating rotary belt 9a in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction) D2. The pressure receiving member 940 is made of, for example, SUS (stainless steel) having a thickness of about 0.2 mm. Since the pressure receiving member 940 has the two inclined plate portions 943 and 943 on both sides of the sliding contact flat plate portion 941, sliding of the heating rotating belt 9a with respect to the pressure receiving member 940 becomes smooth.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the support member 960 is disposed inside the heating rotary belt 9a in order to receive and support the pressure received by the pressure receiving member 940 from the pressure roller 9b, that is, to reinforce the pressure receiving member 940. Is done. The support member 960 has a substantially T shape in a cross section in the first rotation axis I direction (second direction) D2 of the heating rotary belt 9a. Specifically, the support member 960 has a lower end plate portion 960 </ b> A that is abutted against the sliding contact flat plate portion 941 of the pressure receiving member 940 and a rising end that extends toward the radial center of the heating rotating belt 9 a with the heat insulating member 962 interposed therebetween. And a plate portion 960B. The rising plate portion 960B has a height at which the free end is close to the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotary belt 9a.

The support member 960 is fixed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lower end plate portion thereof to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (not shown).
Due to the presence of the support member 960 as described above, the pressure (fixing pressure) in the fixing nip N9 is stabilized, and it is possible to apply a strong pressure to the paper T passing through the fixing nip N9, thereby preventing fixing failure.

  The support member 960 is made of SUS (stainless steel) having a thickness of about 3 mm. The heat insulating member 962 is made of a heat-resistant silicon sponge having a thickness of about 2 mm, a silicon fiber processed cloth, glass wool, or the like, and suppresses heat transfer from the pressure receiving member 940. Further, the entire surface of the lower end plate portion 960 </ b> A of the support member 960 and both surfaces of the rising plate portion 960 </ b> B are covered with the reflection member 963. The reflection member 963 is made of aluminum or a gold film having a thickness of about 0.5 mm, and reflects the radiant heat so that the radiant heat of the heater 910 is not converted into light heat.

The light reflecting member 920 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the light reflecting member 920 corresponds to the first width region end portion 901e in the vicinity of both ends in the first rotation axis I direction of the heating rotation belt 9a inside the heating rotation belt 9a. It is arranged near the position where the two heaters 910 and 910 are located. The light reflecting member 920 is attached to and supported by the rising plate portion 960B of the support member 960 and protrudes on both sides of the rising plate portion 960B.

  In the present embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is configured to be deformable (variable) into a predetermined initial form and a modified form different from the initial form. As a modified form, there are a modified form when the angle α of the light reflecting member 920 to the heater 910 is changed, a modified form when the length of the light reflecting member 920 is changed, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 13, the light reflecting member 920 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating rotating belt 9a.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the light reflecting member 920 is formed to be curved in a convex arc shape on the outer side in the first rotation axis I direction when viewed from above. The light reflecting member 920 is disposed so that the corners of the outer edge 921 at both ends in the longitudinal direction face the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotating belt 9a.

  The light reflecting member 920 includes a main reflecting plate 923 and a sub reflecting plate 924. The sub-reflecting plate 924 is disposed so as to overlap the outer surface side of the main reflecting plate 923.

  Each of the main reflection plate 923 and the sub reflection plate 924 is a main reflection surface 926 as a light reflection surface 925 formed in a concave shape (curved surface) inside the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating roller 9a. And a sub-reflection surface 927 (curved surface portion). The main reflection surface 926 and the sub reflection surface 927 are arranged with a predetermined angle α with respect to the light emitting surface 910b of the heater 910.

  The main reflecting plate 923 is attached to the leading end side of the rising plate portion 960B so as to be rotatable about the inner peripheral edge 922 of the main reflecting plate 923. When the main reflection plate 923 rotates with respect to the rising plate portion 960B, the angle α of the main reflection surface 926 in the main reflection plate 923 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b in the heater 910 can be changed.

The sub-reflecting plate 924 of the light reflecting member 920 is disposed so as to overlap the corresponding main reflecting plate 923 on the outer side in the first rotation axis I direction. The inner surface of the sub-reflection plate 924 in the first rotation axis I direction is disposed so as to contact or be close to the outer surface of the main reflection plate 923 in the first rotation axis I direction. The sub-reflection plate 924 is configured to be slidable along the outer surface of the main reflection plate 923. The light reflecting member 920 can change the length of the light reflecting member 920 in the first rotation axis I direction by sliding the sub-reflecting plate 924.
Thereby, the area of the light reflecting surface 925 facing the inner side in the first rotation axis I direction in the light reflecting member 920 is increased or decreased.

  Further, the sub-reflecting plate 924 of the light reflecting member 920 is attached to an operation rod (not shown). One end of the operating rod is attached to the outer edge 921 of the sub-reflecting plate 924 via openings 903 formed at both ends of the heating roller 9a in the first rotation axis I direction. As a result, the light reflecting member 920 reflects the angle α and the shape of reflecting the light on the main reflecting surface 926 of each main reflecting plate 923 and the sub reflecting surface 927 of the sub reflecting plate 924 by pushing or pulling the operation rod 928 ( (Area) is deformable (variable).

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, at the time of start-up, the light reflecting member 920 is in an initial form, and the light radiated from the two heaters 910 and 910 is transmitted on the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotary belt 9a. Reflected toward the vicinity of the position corresponding to the one-width region end 901e.
In addition, when a predetermined number or more of sheets T are continuously conveyed through the first width region 901a, the light reflecting member 920 has a light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b as shown in FIG. The light is radiated from the two heaters 910 and 910 and is reflected so as to be directed toward the central portion in the direction of the first rotation axis I on the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotating belt 9a.

  Therefore, the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first width region end 901e on the inner peripheral surface of the heating rotating belt 9a can be efficiently heated to raise the temperature. Further, the light reflecting member 920 can change the form including the angle α and the shape of the light reflecting surface 925 with respect to the light emitting surface 910b. Accordingly, the heating rotary belt 9a can be efficiently heated corresponding to the type of the paper T.

As described above, in the fixing device 9 </ b> A of the second embodiment, the heating rotating belt 9 a that is an annular and flexible rotating belt is used as the first rotating body.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the heat capacity of the heating rotating belt 9a as compared with the case where a heating roller is used. As a result, with the presence of the light reflecting member 920, the temperature raising efficiency in the vicinity of the first width region end 901e can be further increased, and the time required for warming up the fixing device 9A can be further shortened. Further, at the time of fixing, the heating rotating belt 9a can be efficiently heated.

As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment which were mentioned above, It can implement with a various form.
For example, in the embodiment, the pressure roller 9b (second rotating body) is driven to rotate, and the heating roller or the heating rotating belt 9a (first rotating body) is driven to rotate. The first rotating body may be driven to rotate, and the second rotating body may be driven to rotate.

  In the first embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is formed in the shape of a petal when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I (second direction D2) of the heating rotating belt 9a, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light reflecting member 920 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis I (second direction D2) of the heating rotating belt 9a.

In the second embodiment, the light reflecting member 920 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating rotary belt 9a. It is not limited. For example, the light reflecting member 920 surrounds the two heaters 910 so as to avoid the positions of the support member 960 and the pressure receiving member 940 when viewed from the first rotation axis I direction (second direction D2) of the heating rotating belt 9a. It may be formed in any shape.
The fixing device of the present invention may be unitized and configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, or may be configured integrally with the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

The type of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine thereof.
The sheet-shaped transfer material is not limited to paper, and may be a film sheet, for example.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer (image forming apparatus), 2 ... Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 16 ... Developing device, 9, 9A ... Fixing device, 9a ... Heating roller or heating rotating belt (first rotating body) ), 9b... Pressure roller (second rotator), N9... Fixing nip, 102... Deformation section, 124... Deformation control section, 901a ... First width area, 901e ... First width area end Part, 910... Heater, 910 a .. light emitting part, 910 b... Light emitting surface, 920 .. light reflecting member, 925 .. light reflecting surface, I .. first rotating shaft, T. , TN: Toner, N9: Fixing nip, α: Angle

Claims (13)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-like transfer material;
A fixing device for fusing toner constituting a toner image transferred to the transfer material and fixing the toner image on the transfer material;
A hollow first rotating body rotatable around a first rotation axis;
A heater that is disposed inside the first rotating body, has a light emitting portion, emits light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting portion, and heats the first rotating body from the inside;
The first rotating body is disposed opposite to the first rotating body, forms a fixing nip through which the transfer material is transported by the first rotating body, and is rotatable about a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. A second rotating body,
A first width region formed on the first rotating body and through which a transfer material having a maximum width passes in a transport width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
It is disposed inside the first rotating body and in the vicinity of a position corresponding to the end of the first width region that is both ends of the first width region in the first rotation axis direction, and reflects light from the heater A light reflecting member that has a light reflecting surface to be configured and variably includes a shape including an angle and a shape of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface;
An image forming apparatus. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-like transfer material;
A fixing device for fusing toner constituting a toner image transferred to the transfer material and fixing the toner image on the transfer material;
A hollow first rotating body rotatable around a first rotation axis;
A heater that is disposed inside the first rotating body, has a light emitting portion, emits light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting portion, and heats the first rotating body from the inside;
The first rotating body is disposed opposite to the first rotating body, forms a fixing nip through which the transfer material is transported by the first rotating body, and is rotatable about a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. A second rotating body,
A first width region formed on the first rotating body and through which a transfer material having a maximum width passes in a transport width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
It is disposed inside the first rotating body and in the vicinity of a position corresponding to the end of the first width region that is both ends of the first width region in the first rotation axis direction, and reflects light from the heater A light reflecting member that has a light reflecting surface to be configured and variably includes a shape including an angle and a shape of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface;
A deforming portion for deforming the form of the light reflecting member;
A fixing device having
In the startup mode in which the fixing device is in the startup state,
Instructing the deforming part to make the light reflecting member a predetermined initial form,
In the image forming mode in which the transfer material to which the toner image is transferred passes through the first width region,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a deformation control unit that instructs the deformation unit to set the light reflecting member in the initial form, or instructs the deformation unit to have a deformation form different from the initial form. The light reflecting member in the initial form is disposed so that the outer edge of the light reflecting member is opposed to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the end of the first width region on the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body, and at least the heater 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a part of the light from the light is reflected so as to be directed toward a position corresponding to an end of the first width region on an inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body. A receiving unit capable of receiving image formation instruction information including number information relating to the number of transfer materials on which an image is formed and type information relating to the type of transfer material;
Based on the number information included in the image formation instruction information received by the reception unit, it is determined whether a predetermined number or more of the transfer materials are continuously conveyed through the first width region. A continuous determination unit;
A continuous conveyance form information storage unit for storing form information relating to the initial form or the deformation form corresponding to a case where a predetermined number or more of the transfer materials are continuously conveyed through the first width region; In addition,
In the image forming mode,
The said deformation | transformation control part instruct | indicates the said deformation | transformation part so that it may become a form corresponding to the determination result determined by the said continuous determination part based on the said form information memorize | stored in the said continuous conveyance form information storage part. Or the image forming apparatus according to 3. The deformation control unit determines that the predetermined number or more of the material to be transferred is continuously conveyed by passing through the first width region by the continuous determination unit. Instructing the deforming unit to adopt a deformed form corresponding to the case where the transfer material is continuously conveyed through the first width region,
The deformation unit is based on an instruction from the deformation control unit,
The image formation according to claim 4, wherein the light reflecting member is deformed so as to reflect light from the light emitting surface toward an inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body toward a central portion side in the first rotation axis direction. apparatus. The deformation part is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the light reflecting member is deformed so that an angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface is smaller than an angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface in the initial form. A receiving unit capable of receiving image formation instruction information including number information relating to the number of transfer materials on which an image is formed and type information relating to the type of transfer material;
A type detection unit that detects the type of the material to be transferred based on the type information included in the image formation instruction information received by the reception unit;
A type and form information storage unit for storing form information in which the type of the transfer material and the initial form or the deformation form corresponding to the type of the transfer material are associated;
In the image forming mode,
The deformation control unit instructs the deformation unit to have a form corresponding to the type of the material to be transferred detected by the type detection unit based on the form information stored in the type form information storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The deformation control unit has a length in a width direction parallel to the first rotation axis in the transport width direction intersecting the transport direction in the type of the transfer material detected by the type detection unit. When the length in the first width region is shorter than the length in the first rotation axis direction, the light reflecting member is instructed to the deformation form corresponding to the type of the material to be transferred, and the deformation portion is instructed.
The deformation unit is based on an instruction from the deformation control unit,
The light is directed to a position corresponding to a position through which the outer edge in the width direction of the transfer material of the type detected by the type detection unit passes through the outer edge of the light reflecting member on the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reflecting member is deformed. The deformation part is
The angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface is smaller than the angle of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface in the initial form,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the light reflecting member is deformed so that a length in the first rotation axis direction is longer than a length in the initial form. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating body is a cylindrical rotating roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating body is an annular and flexible rotating belt. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet-like transfer material;
A fixing device for fusing toner constituting a toner image transferred to the transfer material and fixing the toner image on the transfer material;
A hollow first rotating body rotatable around a first rotation axis;
A heater that is disposed inside the first rotating body, has a light emitting portion, emits light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting portion, and heats the first rotating body from the inside;
The first rotating body is disposed opposite to the first rotating body, forms a fixing nip through which the transfer material is transported by the first rotating body, and is rotatable about a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. A second rotating body,
A first width region formed on the first rotating body and through which a transfer material having a maximum width passes in a transport width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
It is disposed inside the first rotating body and in the vicinity of a position corresponding to the end of the first width region that is both ends of the first width region in the first rotation axis direction, and reflects light from the heater A light reflecting member that has a light reflecting surface to be configured and variably includes a shape including an angle and a shape of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface;
A deforming portion for deforming the form of the light reflecting member;
A temperature detecting member for detecting a temperature at or near a position corresponding to the end of the first width region on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating body;
A fixing device having
Within a predetermined time from when the fixing device is started up,
Instructing the deforming part to make the light reflecting member a predetermined initial form,
When the temperature detected by the temperature detection member is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a deformation control unit that instructs the deformation unit to set the light reflecting member in the initial form, or instructs the deformation unit to have a deformation form different from the initial form. A fixing device for fusing toner constituting a toner image transferred to a sheet-shaped transfer material and fixing the toner image on the transfer material;
A hollow first rotating body rotatable around a first rotation axis;
A heater that is disposed inside the first rotating body, has a light emitting portion, emits light from a light emitting surface of the light emitting portion, and heats the first rotating body from the inside;
The first rotating body is disposed opposite to the first rotating body, forms a fixing nip through which the transfer material is transported by the first rotating body, and is rotatable about a second rotating shaft parallel to the first rotating shaft. A second rotating body,
A first width region formed on the first rotating body and through which a transfer material having a maximum width passes in a transport width direction orthogonal to the transport direction;
It is disposed inside the first rotating body and in the vicinity of a position corresponding to the end of the first width region that is both ends of the first width region in the first rotation axis direction, and reflects light from the heater And a light reflecting member that includes a light reflecting surface that is configured to variably include an angle and a shape of the light reflecting surface with respect to the light emitting surface.

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