JP2019138942A - Image heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image heating device in which only a different type of heating unit can be replaced.SOLUTION: The image heating device includes an attachment part 115 to which one of a plurality of units including a first unit 107 including a heating belt 100 and a first storage part 109 and a second unit 207 including a heating roller 200 and a second storage part 209 is selectively attached, a rotary body 101 which is a rotary body 101 common to the first and second units and forms a nip part for holding and conveying a recording material carrying a toner image in cooperation with the heating belt 100, when the first unit 107 is attached to the attachment part 115 and forms the nip part for holding and conveying the recording material carrying the toner image in cooperation with the heating roller 200, when the second unit 207 is attached to the attachment part 115, and an acquisition part 300 which acquires unit information stored in the storage part of a unit attached to the attachment part 115.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image heating apparatus that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile that employs an electrophotographic system.

  As one type of fixing device that heats a toner image formed on a recording material in an image forming unit, a pressure roller with a pressure lever with a pressure spring stretched against a fixing roller having a halogen heater inside There is a roller heating method in which fixing is performed by forming a fixing nip portion by pressing and pressing.

  Further, as one type of fixing device, there is a film heating method in which the device starts up quickly by heating a fixing film having a small heat capacity as a fixing member. As a heating source of the film heating method, there are a halogen heater, a ceramic heater, and the like, and there is an IH film heating method in which the fixing film itself generates heat by electromagnetic induction by a high frequency magnetic field generated by an IH coil.

  Here, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which the performance of the image forming apparatus can be changed by replacing each fixing device including both the fixing roller and the pressure roller without replacing the image forming apparatus. Yes.

JP 2006-330345 A

  However, it is uneconomical to replace (replace) the fixing device as a whole as in Patent Document 1, which increases the burden on the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image heating apparatus in which only different types of heating units can be replaced.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image heating apparatus according to the present invention includes a heating belt and a first storage unit storing first unit information corresponding to a unit including the heating belt. Any one of a plurality of units including: a second unit including a second storage unit storing second unit information corresponding to a unit including the heating roller and the heating roller. A mounting portion on which one is selectively mounted, and a rotating body that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, wherein the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion. In this case, a nip portion for nipping and conveying the recording material carrying the toner image is formed in cooperation with the heating belt, and in the case where the second unit is attached to the attachment portion, the nip portion cooperates with the heating roller. Then A rotating body that forms a nip portion that sandwiches and conveys a recording material carrying an image, and an acquisition unit that acquires unit information stored in a storage unit of a unit mounted on the mounting portion. Features.

  In addition, another image heating apparatus according to the present invention includes a first unit including a first identification unit that indicates first identification information for identifying the other unit, a heating belt, and the other unit. A mounting unit on which any one of a plurality of units including a second identification unit indicating second identification information for identification and a second unit including a heating roller is selectively mounted; A rotating body that can be used in common with one unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, a toner image is formed in cooperation with the heating belt. A nip portion for nipping and conveying the recording material carried thereon is formed, and when the second unit is attached to the attachment portion, a nip for nipping and conveying the recording material carrying a toner image in cooperation with the heating roller. Rotating body forming part and said mounting part An acquisition unit for acquiring identification information indicated by the identification unit to the mounted unit has, and having a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide image heating in which only different types of heating units can be replaced.

1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device as an image heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The side view of the film heating system based on embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing of the film heating system based on embodiment of this invention The perspective view of the film heating system based on embodiment of this invention The disassembled perspective view showing schematic structure of the film heating system based on embodiment of this invention Side view of a roller heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention Sectional drawing of the roller heating system based on embodiment of this invention The perspective view of the roller heating system based on embodiment of this invention FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for replacing the fixing film unit and the fixing roller unit and a recognition function in the image forming apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. It is not intended to limit the scope to the following embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
(Image forming device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device as an image heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a tandem type digital color copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a copying machine) along a sheet P conveyance direction. A toner image (toner image) is formed on the sheet P, which is a recording material, by an image forming unit. Specific examples of the sheet P include plain paper, a resin sheet that is a substitute for plain paper, cardboard, and an overhead projector.

  The image forming apparatus includes an engine unit 600 that forms an image on a sheet P, an image reading unit 601 that is disposed above the engine unit 600 and that reads an image of an original, and an intermediate part between the engine unit 600 and the image reading unit 601. An operation unit 700 is provided on the front surface. A control unit that controls the operation of the engine unit 600 and the image reading unit 601 is disposed on the back side of the engine unit 600.

  The engine unit 600 includes an image forming unit 10 for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black). The photosensitive drums a to d included in the image forming units 1 a to 1 d are charged in advance by a charger, and then formed as a latent image based on the original read image data from the image reading unit 601 by the laser scanner 6. The latent image becomes a toner image by the developing device. The toner images on the photosensitive drums a to d are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 2 by the primary transfer rollers 2a to 2d.

  On the other hand, the sheets P are sent one by one from the paper feed cassette 4, passed through the post-feed conveyance path 45, and sent to the registration roller pair 9. The registration roller pair 9 once receives the sheet P and straightens it when the sheet P is skewed. The registration roller pair 9 sends the sheet P to the secondary transfer portion 3 between the intermediate transfer belt 2 and the secondary transfer roller 3a in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 2.

  The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred to the sheet P by the secondary transfer roller 3a. Thereafter, the toner image on the sheet P passes through the pre-fixing conveyance path 30 and is fixed on the sheet P by being heated and pressed by a fixing device 40 as an image heating device.

  When a toner image is formed only on one side of the sheet P, the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 12 via the discharge roller 11 by switching the switching flapper 46. When forming a toner image on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 40 is conveyed to the paper discharge roller 11, and when the trailing edge of the paper reaches the reversal point 42, the paper discharge roller The switchback is conveyed by the reverse rotation of 11. Then, after passing through the double-sided conveyance path 47, a toner image is formed on the other side through the same process as the single-sided image formation, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The portion constituted by the switchback operation of the flapper 46 and the paper discharge roller 11 is an example of a reversing unit. In this embodiment, the paper is reversed by the paper discharge roller 11. However, in order to increase the productivity of printing, a reverse portion, a plurality of paper discharge portions, or the like is provided to improve the productivity. Inversion may be performed at the place.

  A manual paper feed unit 50 is provided as a paper feed unit other than the paper feed cassette 4 in the outer portion of the engine unit 600. It is provided for the purpose of considering the user operability, for example, when it is desired to form an image on a sheet P of a type other than the sheet P set in the paper feed cassette 4. The image formation by the paper feed from the manual paper feed unit 50 is also performed through the post-feed conveyance path 45 in the same manner as the paper feed from the paper feed cassette 4. Note that the manual paper feed unit 50 is provided with a manual paper feed sensor 203 that detects the presence / absence state of the sheet P, so that the presence / absence of the sheet P in the manual paper feed unit 50 can be detected.

  As a means for detecting the state of the sheet P being conveyed on the conveyance path, a sheet P detection sensor is provided in the conveyance path. The registration sensor 200 detects the sheet P detection downstream of the registration roller pair 9, the inner sheet discharge sensor 201 detects the sheet P detection downstream of the fixing device 40, and the sheet discharge detection of the sheet P detection downstream of the sheet discharge roller 11. 202 has detected and it transfers to the following process selectively according to a detection signal.

  For example, if the ON time of any sensor is longer than the specified time on the sequence while the sheet P is being transferred on the transfer path, or if the arrival at any sensor is delayed from the specified time on the sequence, It is determined that the sheet P is jammed. And the drive part (not shown) of each roller is stopped based on a detection signal so that the state of clogging does not advance.

  For the purpose of removing the jammed sheet P from the inside of the apparatus after the sheet P is jammed inside the apparatus and each sensor detects a jam, the door 80 of the apparatus body can be rotated to the right in the figure with the hinge 81 as the rotation center Is provided. One of the conveyance path 30 before fixing, the secondary transfer roller 3a, and the registration roller pair 9 (right side in the figure) is provided on the door 80. When the door 80 is opened, the conveyance path 45 after the sheet feeding to the discharge roller 11 is provided. In the meantime, the conveyance path other than the fixing device 40 is opened.

(Replacement between film heating type fixing device and roller heating type fixing device)
In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the film heating type fixing film unit 107 and the roller heating type fixing roller unit 207 can be mounted in a replaceable manner.

  Since the fixing roller is made of iron or aluminum and has a thickness of about 0.4 to 3.0 mm and is strong, the fixing roller itself, which is a fixing member, has a high durability.

  On the other hand, the fixing film is made of iron or polyimide resin and has a thickness of 0.03 to 0.08 mm, which is thinner than the fixing roller.

  That is, the roller heating method is highly durable but has a slow rise, and the film heating method has a fast rise, but the durability is inferior to that of the fixing roller.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment has a need for a user who places importance on the durability of the fixing member over the rise time of the fixing member, and a need for a user who places importance on the speed of the rise time rather than the durability of the fixing member. Therefore, the fixing film unit 107 and the roller heating type fixing roller unit 207 can be exchanged.

  Note that the unit mounted in the initial stage may be the fixing film unit 107 or the fixing roller unit 207.

  Thus, for example, when an image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing roller unit 207 is purchased but there is a user who wants to emphasize the rise time after using it, the request is made without replacing the image forming apparatus and the fixing apparatus 40. Can be met. That is, if a part of the fixing film unit 107 which is a part of the fixing device 40 is obtained, desired needs can be satisfied.

  Also, for example, when an image forming apparatus having a fixing film unit 107 is purchased at first, but there is a user who wants to emphasize durability in actual use, the fixing roller unit 207 can be obtained. The desired needs can be met.

  It should be noted that both units 107 and 207 can be used while being mounted on one image forming apparatus. In other words, a plurality of users who share and use one image forming apparatus may be used according to the needs of each user.

(Film heating type fixing device)
Next, the configuration and mechanism of the fixing device 40 when the film heating method is employed will be described based on the side view of FIG. 2, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the perspective view of FIG. 4, and the exploded perspective view of FIG. In the following description, the longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording material and the thickness direction of the recording material.

  The fixing device 40 includes a fixing film unit (image heating unit) including a fixing film (thin hollow endless belt, heating belt) 100 as a first heating rotating body and a film flange 105 as a first flange member. As a first unit) 107. Furthermore, a pressure roller 101 as a driving rotating body, a pressure spring 113 as a pressure member (pressure mechanism), a pressure lever 112, and a fixing frame (frame) 115 as a frame are provided.

  On the inner peripheral side of the fixing film 100, there is a film pressing member 103 as a backup member that is rubbed while sandwiching the fixing film 100 with the pressing roller 101, and a heater 102 as a film heating member. . The heater 102 is held on the surface 103 a (FIG. 5) of the film pressing member 103.

  In addition, a lubricant (not shown) is applied to the sliding surfaces of the fixing film 100 and the film pressing member 103 in advance for the purpose of reducing the frictional force.

  A predetermined pressure is applied between the film pressure member 103 and the pressure roller 101 with the fixing film 100 interposed therebetween. The pressure roller 101 is rotationally driven by a fixing motor (not shown) and a fixing driving unit 90, and the fixing film 100 is driven to rotate accordingly.

  The heater 102 including a heating element (resistance heating element) as a heat generation source that generates heat by power supply is heated by the heat generated by the heating element. When the fixing film 100 and the pressure roller 101 cooperate to pass a sheet P as a recording material between them, the sheet P is heated in the process of passing through a fixing nip portion (nip portion) N that is nipped and conveyed. Thermal energy is applied from 102 through the fixing film 100. In such a heated and pressurized state, the unfixed toner image (unfixed toner image) carried on the sheet P is melt-fixed. Then, after the sheet P passes through the fixing nip portion N, it is separated from the fixing film 100 and discharged.

  The fixing film 100 generally has a resin layer made of a heat-resistant resin such as a polyimide film or a PEEK film having a total thickness of 0.1 mm or less in order to reduce heat capacity and improve quick start performance. . The fixing film 100 is formed by forming an elastic layer of a rubber material having high thermal conductivity on the outer side of the resin layer on the resin layer, and forming a release layer of fluororesin on the outer surface. It is formed in an endless shape.

  In the present embodiment, polyimide having a thickness of 60 μm was used for the base layer, silicone rubber having a thickness of 300 μm and a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m · K was used for the elastic layer, and a PFA tube having a thickness of 20 μm was used for the release layer.

  The heater 102 is a ceramic heater. The heater 102 forms an exothermic body by printing a thick film of an Ag / Pd paste on an AlN substrate having a thin and thin plate shape with good heat conduction and baking it. A glass coating layer having a thickness of about 50 to 60 μm is integrally provided as a sliding insulating member on the heating element. In the present embodiment, a heating resistor layer is formed on an AlN substrate having a thickness of 600 μm.

  Film flanges 105 (FIGS. 4 and 5) are provided at both ends of the fixing film 100 as a regulating member for regulating the longitudinal movement and the circumferential shape of the fixing film 100. The film flange 105 is inserted inside the fixing film 100 and functions as a support member that supports the fixing film 100.

  Further, the film flange 105 supports a stay 104 disposed inside the fixing film 100 and a film pressing member 103 that pressurizes the fixing film 100 toward the pressing roller 101 (FIG. 5). The film flange 105 is attached (locked) to the left and right side plates 115a of a fixing frame (frame) 115 as an attachment portion (FIG. 4).

  The film flange 105 is formed of a heat-resistant resin such as PPS or liquid crystal polymer, and supports a pressure spring 113 and a pressure lever 112 that stretches the pressure spring 113 while supporting an end edge surface of the fixing film 100. (Fig. 4). That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the fixing film 100 is supported by the pressure lever 112 via the film flange 105 and the stay 104, and can swing around the rotation center shaft 111. The pressure roller 113 is pressed by the pressure spring 113. In this embodiment, the applied pressure is 125 N at one end and the total applied pressure is 250 N.

  The stay 104 is a member that receives a reaction force from the pressure roller 101, and is preferably made of a material that is difficult to bend even when a high pressure is applied. In this embodiment, SUS304 is used.

  The film pressing member 103 fixedly supports the heater 102 as described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the film pressing member 103 is a bowl-shaped cross section having a substantially semicircular arc shape, and is a heat insulating member such as a heat resistant resin. For the film pressing member 103, it is desirable to use a material with low heat conduction to the stay 104 from the viewpoint of energy saving. For example, a heat resistant glass or a heat resistant resin such as a liquid crystal polymer is used.

  In this embodiment, oil is applied as a lubricant between the heater 102 and the fixing film 100. As the oil, fluorine grease, silicone oil or the like that can be used in a high temperature environment is preferable.

  The fixing film 100 is loosely covered outside the film pressing member 103 and the heater 102, and both ends are supported by the film flange 105, and the stay 104 is supported by the film flange 105 freely in the pressing direction. Yes.

  The fixing film unit 107 including the fixing film 100, the heater 102, the film pressing member 103, the stay 104, and the film flange 105 is formed as a single unit and is detachable from the fixing frame 115 that is a frame. .

  The pressure roller 101 has a cylindrical cored bar made of metal such as iron or aluminum as a core, an elastic layer of a flexible rubber material such as sponge or silicone rubber on the outer peripheral side of the cored bar, and a release layer on the surface layer. As a PFA layer. In this embodiment, the surface of the core metal such as iron or aluminum is subjected to surface roughening treatment such as blasting, and then cleaned, and then the core metal is inserted into a cylindrical mold and liquid silicone rubber is injected into the mold. Then heat cure.

  At this time, in order to form a resin tube layer such as a PFA tube as a release layer on the surface layer of the pressure roller 101, a tube with a primer applied to the inner surface in advance is inserted into the mold to heat cure the rubber. At the same time, the tube and the rubber layer are bonded. The pressure roller thus molded is demolded and then subjected to secondary vulcanization.

  In this embodiment, the pressure roller 101 has a core metal diameter of φ15 mm, an elastic layer thickness of 5 mm, a silicone rubber having an Asker hardness of 64 °, a PFA tube thickness of the release layer of 50 μm, and a pressurization with an outer diameter of about φ25 mm. A roller.

  The pressure roller 101 is fixedly supported on the fixing frame 115 rotatably via pressure roller bearings provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

(Roller heating type fixing device)
Next, the configuration and mechanism of the fixing device 40 when the roller heating method is employed will be described based on the side view of FIG. 6, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the perspective view of FIG. 8, and the exploded perspective view of FIG. The fixing roller unit 207 has the same function in the fixing device 40 as the above-described fixing film unit 107 and can be replaced with the fixing film unit 107.

  That is, the fixing device 40 includes a fixing roller (heating roller) 200 as a second heating rotator, and a fixing roller unit (second unit) 207 including a roller flange 205 as a second flange member. . Furthermore, a pressure roller 101 as a driving rotating body that can be used in common with a film heating type fixing device, a pressure spring 113 as a pressure member, a pressure lever 112, and a fixing frame (frame) as a frame. 115.

  The fixing roller 200 includes a metal having a thickness of 0.4 mm or more (more preferably 0.5 mm or more) in the base layer in order to improve durability. That is, it consists of metal pipe members, such as iron and aluminum, in which the thickness of the metal core is 0.5 mm or more. An elastic layer made of a rubber material having a high thermal conductivity is formed on the pipe core bar, and a fluororesin release layer is formed on the outer surface to form a roller having an outer diameter of φ20 mm.

  In this embodiment, SUS having a thickness of 1000 μm was used for the base layer, silicone rubber having a thickness of 300 μm and thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m · K was used for the elastic layer, and a PFA tube having a thickness of 20 μm was used for the release layer.

  The roller heating member 202 is a halogen heater. This roller heating member 202 is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by roller flanges 205 (FIGS. 8 and 9), and is disposed through the pipe of the fixing roller 200, and radiates heat to the rotating fixing roller 200. It has the function of warming up.

  Roller flanges 205 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the fixing roller 200 as a regulating member that regulates the longitudinal movement of the fixing roller 200. The roller flange 205 is made of a heat-resistant resin such as PPS, liquid crystal polymer, or phenol resin, and receives pressure while supporting the end edge surface of the fixing roller 200.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the fixing roller 200 is supported by the pressure lever 112 via the roller flange 205, and is capable of swinging around the rotation center shaft 111 as a rotation center. Thus, the pressure roller 101 is pressurized. In this embodiment, the applied pressure is 125 N at one end and the total applied pressure is 250 N.

  Here, the fixing roller unit 207 including the fixing roller 200, the roller heating member 202, the thermistor holder 204, and the roller flange 205 described above is formed as a single unit, and a fixing frame (frame) 115 serving as a mounting portion is formed. It can be detached from the left and right side plates 115a.

  In the same manner as described for the fixing film, the pressure roller 101 is also rotationally driven by the fixing motor (not shown) and the fixing driving unit 90 with respect to the fixing roller, and the fixing film 100 is driven and rotated accordingly. The Then, the roller heating member 202 is heated and heated by supplying power. By passing the sheet P through a fixing nip portion (nip portion) between the fixing roller 200 and the pressure roller 101, the sheet P passes from the roller heating member 202 through the fixing roller 200 in the process of passing through the fixing nip portion N. Thermal energy is applied.

  As a result, an unfixed toner image (not shown) on the sheet P is melted and fixed. In this heated and pressurized state, the unfixed toner image (unfixed toner image) on the sheet P is melted and fixed. Then, after the sheet P passes through the fixing nip portion N, it is separated from the fixing roller 200 and discharged.

(Common parts for film heating system and roller heating system)
As described above, both the film heating method and the roller heating method form the fixing device 40 using the following common parts. That is, the common components are the pressure roller 101, the rotation center shaft 111, the pressure lever 112, the pressure spring 113, the pressure roller bearing 114, the fixing frame 115, and the fixing driving unit 90. The fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 are different from each other. If the seller, the buyer, or the user selects the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207, it is possible to select different fixing methods for the fixing frame 115 as a common frame.

  Next, a method for replacing the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 in the fixing device 40 and a recognition function in the image forming apparatus main body will be described with reference to FIG. The fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 are a single unit as described above. The fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 that are used alternatively can be attached to and detached from the fixing frame 115 by rotating the pressure lever 112 about the rotation center shaft 111 in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.

  The fixing film unit 107 as the first unit includes a film heating system memory 109 as a first memory for storing identification information for identifying the fixing film unit 107 as a unit. That is, the fixing film unit 107 as the first unit includes a first storage unit in which first unit information corresponding to the unit including the heating belt is stored.

  Further, the fixing roller unit 207 as the second unit includes a roller heating type memory 209 as a second memory for storing identification information for identifying the fixing roller unit 207 as a unit. In other words, the fixing roller unit 207 as the second unit includes a second storage unit in which second unit information corresponding to the unit including the heating roller is stored.

  These memories are connected to the main body side with bundled wires, so that the CPU on the main body side can determine the fixing heating method, and can perform temperature control and power control for each heating method. In the image heating apparatus according to the present embodiment, the CPU 300 (FIG. 9) functions as an acquisition unit that acquires unit information stored in the storage units 109 and 209 of the units mounted on the mounting unit described above. The CPU 300 is connected to the CPU on the main body side so that the CPU on the main body side can determine the fixing heating method.

  Specifically, as the temperature control for each heating method, when the fixing film unit is used, the temperature adjustment temperature of the fixing film is set to, for example, 220 ° C., whereas when the fixing roller unit is used, the temperature adjustment temperature of the fixing roller is set to, for example, 180 ° C. And Here, the temperature control temperature is a target value of the detected temperature output from the temperature detection means by the CPU as the control unit. That is, in the fixing film unit 107, it is the target value of the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting means when the temperature of the heater 102 is controlled. In the fixing roller unit 207, it is a target value of the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means when controlling the temperature of the fixing roller 200.

  As described above, the fixing film unit reads the identification information stored in the first memory by the temperature control unit (including the first temperature detection unit and the CPU as the control unit) that controls the temperature of the fixing film. In this case, the temperature is controlled at a temperature corresponding to the fixing film. The fixing roller unit includes a temperature control unit (which includes the second temperature detection unit and the above-described CPU as a common control unit) for controlling the temperature of the fixing roller. The identification information stored in the second memory is stored in the fixing roller unit. When reading, the temperature is controlled at a temperature corresponding to the fixing roller.

  Note that the above-described memory only needs to be able to determine the fixing method, and may be an RFID or a barcode as long as a reading device is provided on the main body side.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the fixing film heating method and the fixing roller heating method can be selected in the fixing device in which the fixing member is pressed against the driving roller by pressurizing the flange member to form the nip portion and the fixing member is driven. A common fixing frame is provided. Then, a memory capable of determining which method is adopted is mounted, the number of parts is reduced (the fixing member is made common), and both the film heating method and the roller heating method can be made compatible.

  The roller heating method is highly durable but has a slow start-up, and the film heating method has a fast start-up, but the durability is inferior to that of the fixing roller. According to the above-described embodiment, convenience is enhanced by enabling selection by the user or service person.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, the case where a memory is mounted in each unit as an example of a means (identification unit) for identifying the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 has been described. However, the identification provided in each unit is described. The means may be other than a memory.

  For example, each of the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 may be provided with resistors having different resistance values, and the image forming apparatus may identify the resistors by measuring the resistance values.

  Further, for example, a mechanical switch such as a dip switch, a bar code, or the like may be used.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, as a means for identifying the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207, when a memory is mounted on each unit, the identification information mounted on the memory may be any of the following.

For example, as information indicating “having a fixing film (heating belt) / having a fixing roller”, different IDs are assigned to each unit, and symbols used for identifying the IDs are used as the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit. The configuration may be changed at 207. Further, the information indicating “having the fixing film (heating belt) / having the fixing roller” may be stored as information different from the ID while storing the ID.
(Modification 3)
As a means for identifying the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207, when a memory is mounted on each unit, the identification information mounted on the memory may be the following information. For example, the control content itself changed by the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207 may be stored. That is, for example, information corresponding to a temperature adjustment temperature of 220 ° C. may be stored in the memory of the fixing film unit 107, and information corresponding to a temperature adjustment temperature of 180 ° C. may be stored in the memory of the fixing roller unit 207.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, when a fixing film is used, the fixing film is heated by a heater, but may be configured to generate heat by electromagnetic induction or energization.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a fixing film is used, the temperature of the heater is detected by a thermistor as a temperature detecting unit. However, at least one of the heater and the fixing film may be detected.

  Similarly, when a fixing roller is used, a thermistor as temperature detecting means may be configured to detect the temperature of at least one of the halogen heater and the fixing roller.

(Modification 5)
In the above-described embodiment, a heating source is provided in each of the fixing film unit 107 and the fixing roller unit 207. However, the units 107 and 207 are not provided with a heating source, and are provided on the image forming apparatus (image heating apparatus) side. A heat source that can be used in common may be provided.

  The term “heating source” includes an IH heater for inductively heating a fixing film and a roller.

(Modification 6)
In the above-described embodiment, the fixing device that fixes an unfixed toner image on the recording material has been described as an example of the image heating device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording material may be used to improve the gloss of the image. The present invention can be similarly applied to an apparatus that heats and presses a toner image assumed to be attached to the above.

100 .. Fixing film (first heating rotator) 101.. Pressure roller (drive rotator) 105.. Film flange (first flange member) 107.. Fixing film unit (first unit) ), 109... Film heating type memory (first memory), 200... Fixing roller (second heating rotating body), 205... Roller flange (second flange member), 207. Second unit), 209 .. Roller heating type memory (second memory), P .. Sheet (recording material), N .. Fixing nip part (nip part)

Claims (22)

A first unit including a heating belt and a first storage unit storing first unit information corresponding to the unit including the heating belt; and a unit including the heating roller and the heating roller. A mounting unit on which any one of a plurality of units including a second unit including a second storage unit storing corresponding second unit information is selectively mounted;
A rotating body that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the toner cooperates with the heating belt. A nip portion for nipping and conveying a recording material carrying an image is formed, and when the second unit is attached to the attachment portion, the recording material carrying a toner image is nipped and conveyed in cooperation with the heating roller. A rotating body that forms a nip portion,
An acquisition unit for acquiring unit information stored in a storage unit of a unit mounted on the mounting unit;
An image heating apparatus comprising: The rotating body is a driving rotating body that is rotationally driven by a motor,
The rotating body is driven to rotate the heating belt when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, and the heating roller is driven when the second unit is mounted to the mounting portion. The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image heating apparatus is rotated.   A pressurizing mechanism that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating belt and the rotating body are When at least one of the heating belt and the rotating body is pressed toward the other so as to form a nip portion, and the second unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating roller and the rotating body are niped. The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the heating roller and the rotating body is pressed toward the other so as to form a portion. A heating source that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating belt is heated, When the unit of 2 is mounted on the mounting portion, it has a heating source for heating the heating roller,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating source is controlled based on unit information acquired by the acquisition unit. The first unit has a heating source of the heating belt,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit includes a heating source of the heating roller.   6. The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image heating apparatus includes the second unit that is mounted on the mounting unit in a replaceable manner with the first unit. 7. .   6. The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image heating apparatus includes the first unit that is mounted on the mounting unit in a replaceable manner with the second unit. 7. . The first unit has support members that are inserted inside the heating belt at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heating belt and support the heating belt,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating roller of the second unit is a roller having a hollow cored bar. The heating belt includes a resin having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less in a base layer,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating roller includes a metal having a thickness of 0.4 mm or more in a base layer.   The first unit includes a heating unit that heats the heating belt inside the heating belt, and the heating unit is provided so as to sandwich the heating belt with the rotating body at the nip portion. The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image heating apparatus is an image heating apparatus.   The image heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second unit includes a halogen heater as a heating source for heating the heating roller. A first identification unit indicating first identification information for identifying another unit, a first unit including a heating belt, and a second identification information for identifying the other unit. A mounting unit on which any one of a plurality of units including the identification unit and the heating roller is selectively mounted,
A rotating body that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the toner cooperates with the heating belt. A nip portion for nipping and conveying a recording material carrying an image is formed, and when the second unit is attached to the attachment portion, the recording material carrying a toner image is nipped and conveyed in cooperation with the heating roller. A rotating body that forms a nip portion,
An acquisition unit for acquiring identification information indicated by an identification unit included in the unit mounted on the mounting unit;
An image heating apparatus comprising: The rotating body is a driving rotating body that is rotationally driven by a motor,
The rotating body is driven to rotate the heating belt when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, and the heating roller is driven when the second unit is mounted to the mounting portion. The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image heating apparatus is rotated.   A pressurizing mechanism that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating belt and the rotating body are When at least one of the heating belt and the rotating body is pressed toward the other so as to form a nip portion, and the second unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating roller and the rotating body are niped. The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the heating roller and the rotating body is pressed toward the other so as to form a portion. A heating source that can be used in common for the first unit and the second unit, and when the first unit is mounted on the mounting portion, the heating belt is heated, When the unit of 2 is mounted on the mounting portion, it has a heating source for heating the heating roller,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heating source is controlled based on unit information acquired by the acquisition unit. The first unit has a heating source of the heating belt,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second unit includes a heating source of the heating roller.   The image heating apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the image heating apparatus includes the second unit that is mounted on the mounting unit in a replaceable manner with the first unit. .   The image heating apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the image heating apparatus includes the first unit mounted on the mounting unit in a replaceable manner with the second unit. . The first unit has support members that are inserted inside the heating belt at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heating belt and support the heating belt,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heating roller of the second unit is a roller having a hollow cored bar. The heating belt includes a resin having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less in a base layer,
The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the heating roller includes a metal having a thickness of 0.4 mm or more in a base layer.   The first unit includes a heating unit that heats the heating belt inside the heating belt, and the heating unit is provided so as to sandwich the heating belt with the rotating body at the nip portion. The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image heating apparatus is an image heating apparatus.   The image heating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second unit includes a halogen heater as a heating source for heating the heating roller.