JP7270896B2 - Heating member, heating device, fixing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heating member, a heating device including the heating member, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art In image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, a belt-type fixing device using an endless belt is known as a fixing device for fixing an image formed on a recording medium such as paper.

Some fixing devices of this type use a planar heating member for heating the belt. Generally, the planar heating member is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the belt by being held by a holding member.

In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-117959), as a configuration for holding a heater in a heater holder, a configuration is proposed in which a heater clip is used to sandwich the heater, in addition to the heater connector.

However, in the configuration in which the heater clip is used to hold the heater as proposed in Patent Document 1, the number of parts increases.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a belt that is held by a holding member disposed inside an endless belt that forms a nip portion by contacting an opposing member, and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the belt at the nip portion. a surface-shaped heating member that heats the belt by engaging with the holding member so that the heating is performed from the holding member in a direction perpendicular to the facing surface of the heating member with respect to the belt . a separation regulating portion capable of regulating the movement of the heating member in a separation direction in which the member separates, the separation regulating portion being provided only at a portion arranged outside an end portion in the width direction of the belt; The separation regulating portion is provided only outside the center of the heating member in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the belt and parallel to the facing surface.

According to the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced because the heating member itself has the separation regulation portion that regulates the movement in the separation direction with respect to the holding member.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fixing device; FIG. It is a top view of a heater. It is an exploded perspective view of a heater. It is a figure which shows the electric power supply circuit to a heater. 4 is a flow chart showing a heater control operation; 1 is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows a mode that a heater and a heater folder are clamped by a connector. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the modification of a heater and a heater folder. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the example which provided the clearance gap (backlash) between the 2nd bending part and the convex part. It is a figure which shows the example which contacts each other, at least 1 side of a 2nd bending part and a convex part elastically deforming. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the modification of a heater. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a perspective view of the heater and heater folder which concern on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the heater is positioned by the biasing force in the rotational direction received from the fixing belt. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which convex portions and projecting pieces are arranged outside widthwise end portions of the fixing belt; It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a perspective view of a heater and a heater folder according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the heater with respect to a heater folder. It is the figure which looked from the longitudinal direction opening side of the heater folder in the state where the heater was attached to the heater folder. It is a figure which shows the modification of a heater and a heater folder. It is a figure which shows the modification of a heater and a heater folder. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another heater example; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of another fixing device; FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of another fixing device; FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of still another fixing device;

The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each drawing for explaining the present invention, constituent elements such as members and constituent parts having the same function or shape are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and once explained, the explanation will be repeated. omitted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes four image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk has the same configuration except that it contains developers of different colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black corresponding to color separation components of a color image. Specifically, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk includes a drum-shaped photoreceptor 2 as an image carrier, a charging device 3 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 2, and A developing device 4 that supplies toner as a developer to form a toner image and a cleaning device 5 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor 2 are provided.

The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an exposure device 6 that exposes the surface of each photoreceptor 2 to form an electrostatic latent image, a paper feeder 7 that supplies paper P as a recording medium, and an image formed on each photoreceptor 2 . A transfer device 8 that transfers the transferred toner image onto the paper P, a fixing device 9 that fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P, and a paper discharge device 10 that discharges the paper P to the outside of the device.

The transfer device 8 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 11 as an intermediate transfer body stretched by a plurality of rollers, and four primary transfer members for transferring the toner images on the photoreceptors 2 to the intermediate transfer belt 11. It has a primary transfer roller 12 and a secondary transfer roller 13 as a secondary transfer member for transferring the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 onto the paper P. Each of the primary transfer rollers 12 is in contact with the photoreceptor 2 via the intermediate transfer belt 11 . As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 11 and each photoreceptor 2 come into contact with each other, forming a primary transfer nip therebetween. On the other hand, the secondary transfer roller 13 is in contact with one of the rollers that stretch the intermediate transfer belt 11 through the intermediate transfer belt 11 . A secondary transfer nip is thereby formed between the secondary transfer roller 13 and the intermediate transfer belt 11 .

Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, a paper transport path 14 is formed for transporting the paper P fed from the paper feeding device 7. As shown in FIG. A pair of timing rollers 15 are provided on the paper transport path 14 from the paper feeding device 7 to the secondary transfer nip (secondary transfer roller 13).

Next, the printing operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

When there is an instruction to start the printing operation, in each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk, the photoreceptor 2 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. charged to a potential. Next, the exposure device 6 exposes the surface of each photoreceptor 2 based on the image information of the document read by the document reading device or the print information instructed to print from the terminal, and the potential of the exposed portion increases. It lowers to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing device 4 to the electrostatic latent image, and a toner image is formed on each photosensitive member 2 .

When the toner image formed on each photoreceptor 2 reaches the primary transfer nip (the position of the primary transfer roller 12) as each photoreceptor 2 rotates, the intermediate transfer belt rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11 so as to overlap one another. The toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip (the position of the secondary transfer roller 13) as the intermediate transfer belt 11 rotates, and is conveyed in the secondary transfer nip. It is transferred to the paper P. This paper P is supplied from the paper feeding device 7 . The paper P supplied from the paper feeding device 7 is temporarily stopped by the timing roller 15, and then conveyed to the secondary transfer nip at the timing when the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 reaches the secondary transfer nip. Thus, the paper P bears a full-color toner image. After the toner image is transferred, toner remaining on each photosensitive member 2 is removed by each cleaning device 5 .

The paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 9 , and the toner image is fixed on the paper P by the fixing device 9 . After that, the paper P is discharged outside the apparatus by the paper discharging device 10, and a series of printing operations is completed.

Next, the configuration of the fixing device will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 9 according to the present embodiment includes a fixing belt 20 made of an endless belt and a pressing member as a facing member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 20 to form a nip portion N. A roller 21 and a heating device 19 for heating the fixing belt 20, which is a member to be heated, are provided. The heating device 19 includes a planar heater 22 as a heating member, a heater folder 23 as a holding member that holds the heater 22 , a stay 24 as a supporting member that supports the heater folder 23 , and a fixing belt 20 . It is composed of a thermistor 25 or the like as temperature detection means for detecting temperature.

The fixing belt 20 has, for example, a cylindrical substrate made of polyimide (PI) having an outer diameter of 25 mm and a thickness of 40 to 120 μm. As the outermost layer of the fixing belt 20, a release layer having a thickness of 5 to 50 μm is formed of a fluorine-based resin such as PFA or PTFE in order to increase durability and ensure release properties. An elastic layer made of rubber or the like having a thickness of 50 to 500 μm may be provided between the substrate and the release layer. Further, the substrate of the fixing belt 20 is not limited to polyimide, and may be a heat-resistant resin such as PEEK, or a metal substrate such as nickel (Ni) or SUS. The inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 20 may be coated with polyimide, PTFE, or the like as a sliding layer.

The pressure roller 21 has an outer diameter of 25 mm, for example, and comprises a solid iron core 21a, an elastic layer 21b formed on the surface of the core 21a, and a release layer formed on the outer side of the elastic layer 21b. 21c. The elastic layer 21b is made of silicone rubber and has a thickness of 3.5 mm, for example. In order to improve the releasability of the surface of the elastic layer 21b, it is desirable to form a releasing layer 21c of a fluorine resin layer having a thickness of about 40 μm, for example.

The pressing roller 21 is pressed against the heater 22 via the fixing belt 20 by pressing the pressing roller 21 toward the fixing belt 20 by the pressing means. Thereby, a nip portion N is formed between the fixing belt 20 and the pressure roller 21 . Further, the pressure roller 21 is configured to be rotationally driven by a driving means, and when the pressure roller 21 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, the fixing belt 20 is driven to rotate accordingly.

When the printing operation is started, the pressure roller 21 is driven to rotate, and the fixing belt 20 starts rotating. Further, the fixing belt 20 is heated by supplying electric power to the heater 22 . Then, when the temperature of the fixing belt 20 reaches a predetermined target temperature (fixing temperature), the paper P bearing the unfixed toner image is moved between the fixing belt 20 and the pressure roller 21 as shown in FIG. The unfixed toner image is heated and pressurized to be fixed on the paper P by being conveyed between (the nip portion N).

The heater 22 is provided in a longitudinal shape across the width direction of the fixing belt 20 , and includes a plate-shaped base material 30 , a first insulating layer 32 provided on the base material 30 , and a heater on the first insulating layer 32 . and a second insulating layer 33 covering the resistance heating elements 31 and the like. The heater 22 is composed of a substrate 30, a first insulating layer 32, a resistance heating element 31, and a second insulating layer 33 in this order toward the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). The heat emitted from is transmitted to the fixing belt 20 via the second insulating layer 33 . In the present embodiment, no insulating layer is provided on the surface of the base material 30 opposite to the fixing belt 20 (heater folder 23 side), but this surface may also be provided with an insulating layer.

In this embodiment, the resistance heating element 31 is provided on the fixing belt 20 side of the base material 30 (the nip portion N side). (Heater folder 23 side). In that case, the heat of the resistance heating element 31 is transmitted to the fixing belt 20 through the base material 30, so the base material 30 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride. Further, by forming the base material 30 from a material having good thermal conductivity, the fixing belt 20 can be sufficiently heated even when the resistance heating element 31 is arranged on the opposite side of the base material 30 from the fixing belt 20 . It is possible.

The heater folder 23 and the stay 24 are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the fixing belt 20 . The stay 24 is made of a metal channel material, and both end portions of the stay 24 are supported by both side plates of the fixing device 9 . The stay 24 supports the heater folder 23 and the heater 22 held thereon, so that the heater 22 reliably presses the pressure roller 21 while the pressure roller 21 is pressed against the fixing belt 20 . to stably form the nip portion N.

Since the heater folder 23 is likely to reach a high temperature due to the heat of the heater 22, it is desirable to be made of a heat-resistant material. For example, when the heater folder 23 is made of a heat-resistant resin having low thermal conductivity such as LCP, heat transfer from the heater 22 to the heater folder 23 is suppressed, and the fixing belt 20 can be efficiently heated. In order to reduce the contact area of the heater folder 23 with the heater 22 and reduce the amount of heat transmitted from the heater 22 to the heater folder 23, the heater folder 23 is in contact with the heater 22 via the projections 23a.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the heater according to this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two resistance heating elements 31 are provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the base material 30, and one end (right end in FIG. 3) of each resistance heating element 31 are connected to each other via a feed line 34 made of a conductor having a resistance value smaller than that of the power supply. The other end (left end in FIG. 3) of each resistance heating element 31 is connected to an electrode 35 via a separate feeder line 34 . Each resistance heating element 31 , each power supply line 34 and each electrode 35 are provided on the first insulating layer 32 , and the second insulation layer 33 partially covers the power supply line 34 and the electrode 35 in addition to the resistance heating element 31 . covered with

As the material of the base material 30, aluminum is preferable because it efficiently transfers heat from the resistance heating element 31 to the fixing belt 20, reduces temperature unevenness, and improves fixability. Also, stainless steel, iron, or the like may be used as a metal material other than aluminum. Furthermore, it is also possible to use glass, ceramics, etc., in addition to metal materials.

The resistance heating element 31 can be formed by, for example, applying a paste prepared by mixing silver palladium (AgPd) or glass powder to the base material 30 by screen printing or the like, and then firing the base material 30. . In addition to these materials, the resistance heating element 31 may be made of a silver alloy (AgPt) or ruthenium oxide (RuO2) resistance material. Silver (Ag) or silver palladium (AgPd) can be formed by screen printing or the like as the material of the power supply line 34 and the electrode 35 . Each insulating layer 32, 33 is made of heat-resistant glass, ceramic, polyimide (PI), or the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power supply circuit to the heater according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a power supply circuit for supplying power to each resistance heating element 31 is configured by electrically connecting an AC power supply 200 and the electrode 35 of the heater 22. . The power supply circuit is also provided with a triac 210 that controls the amount of power supplied. The amount of power supplied to each resistance heating element 31 is controlled by the control unit 220 through the triac 210 based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 25 as temperature detection means. The control unit 220 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O interface, and the like.

In this embodiment, a thermistor 25 as a temperature detecting means is arranged in the longitudinal central region of the heater 22 within the minimum paper passing width and in one longitudinal end of the heater 22 . Further, a thermostat 27 is arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction of the heater 22 as power cutoff means for cutting off the power supply to the resistance heating element 31 when the temperature of the resistance heating element 31 exceeds a predetermined temperature. ing. The thermistor 25 and the thermostat 27 contact the substrate 30 and detect the temperature of the resistance heating element 31 .

Next, the control operation of the heater according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when a printing operation is started in the image forming apparatus (S1 in FIG. 6), power supply from the AC power source 200 to each resistance heating element 31 of the heater 22 is started by the control unit 220 (S2 in FIG. 6). . As a result, each resistance heating element 31 starts to generate heat, and the fixing belt 20 is heated. At this time, the temperature _T4 is detected by the thermistor (central thermistor) 25 arranged in the central region in the longitudinal direction of the heater 22 (S3 in FIG. 6). Based on the temperature _T4 obtained from the central thermistor 25, the control unit 220 controls the amount of power supplied to each resistance heating element 31 by the triac 210 so that each resistance heating element 31 reaches a predetermined temperature. (S4 in FIG. 6).

At the same time, the temperature _T8 is also detected by the thermistor (end thermistor) 25 arranged on the end side in the longitudinal direction of the heater 22 (S5 in FIG. 6). Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature _T8 detected by the end thermistor 25 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature T _N ( _T8 ≧ _{T N} ) (S6 in FIG. 6). As the occurrence (disconnection), power supply to the heater 22 is interrupted (S7 in FIG. 6), and an error display is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus (S8 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, if the detected temperature _T8 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T _N , the printing operation is started assuming that no abnormally low temperature has occurred (S9 in FIG. 6).

Further, if temperature control based on detection by the central thermistor 25 or the end thermistor 25 becomes impossible, the resistance heating element 31 may become abnormally hot. In that case, the thermostat 27 operates to cut off the power supply to the resistance heating element 31 when the temperature of the resistance heating element 31 exceeds a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing the resistance heating element 31 from becoming abnormally hot. .

A structure for holding the heater 22 with respect to the heater folder 23 will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the heater 22 according to the present embodiment (first embodiment) is separated from the heater folder 23. As shown in FIG.
7, the resistance heating element 31, the power supply line 34, the first insulating layer 32 and the second insulating layer 33 are omitted. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the heater 22 and the heater folder 23 are formed in a plate shape elongated in one direction. The extending direction (the X direction in FIG. 7) is defined as the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the contact surface 39a of the heater 22 with respect to the fixing belt 20 (the Y direction in FIG. 7) is defined as the lateral direction. A direction (the Z direction in FIG. 7) perpendicular to both the direction and the width direction will be described as the thickness direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the base material 30 of the heater 22 includes a body portion 39 formed in a rectangular (rectangular) flat plate shape, and a bent portion 40 provided to bend at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body portion. It consists of In the body portion 39, the surface on which the electrode 35, the resistance heating element 31, and the like are provided is a contact surface 39a that contacts the fixing belt 20, which is a member to be heated. The bent portion 40 includes a first bent portion 41 that is bent from one longitudinal end portion of the main body portion 39 in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 , and A second bending portion 42 is provided so as to bend toward the electrode 35 in a direction intersecting with this. Here, the “separation direction” means a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 39 a of the heater 22 , that is, the thickness direction, and the direction in which the heater 22 is separated from the heater holder 23 .

On the other hand, the surface of the heater folder 23 facing the heater 22 is formed with a concave portion 60 in which the body portion 39 of the base material 30 is accommodated. The recessed portion 60 has a bottom portion 60a formed in a rectangular (rectangular) shape having substantially the same size as the main body portion 39 of the base material 30, and three side portions 60b and 60c provided perpendicularly to the bottom portion 60a. , 60d. No side surface is provided on one short side of the concave portion 60, and a longitudinal opening 60e that opens in the longitudinal direction is formed.

A projection 61 for positioning the heater 22 is provided on the opposite side of the recess 60 from the longitudinal opening 60e. On the other hand, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 is formed with a positioning hole 43 as a positioning portion that engages with the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 . In this embodiment, the positioning hole 43 is a rectangular hole elongated in the widthwise direction of the heater 22 . Contrary to the present embodiment, a protrusion as a positioning portion may be provided on the heater 22 side, and a positioning hole engaging with this protrusion may be provided on the heater holder 23 side. Moreover, the positioning hole is not limited to a through hole, and may be a hole having a bottom.

Next, a method of attaching the heater 22 to the heater folder 23 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 8, the heater 22 is brought closer to the heater folder 23 in the longitudinal direction, and the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is engaged with the end of the heater folder 23 on the longitudinal opening 60e side. At this time, if the tip end side of the second bent portion 42 is obliquely formed as in the present embodiment, the tip end side of the second bent portion 42 is the back surface of the heater folder 23 (the surface facing in the direction opposite to the separation direction A). ), it is easy to engage. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. The heater 22 is accommodated in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 so that the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . In this state, the projection 61 is engaged with the positioning hole 43 to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the heater folder 23 .

In addition, since the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is engaged with the end portion of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60c, movement of the heater 22 in the separating direction A from the heater folder 23 on the bent portion 40 side is restricted. be. That is, in the present embodiment, of the first bent portion 41 and the second bent portion 42 that constitute the bent portion 40, the surface 420 (upper surface in FIGS. 7 and 9) facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 is , and a surface 23b (lower surface in FIGS. 7 and 9) of the heater folder 23 facing in the opposite direction to the separation direction A, thereby restricting the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A with respect to the heater folder 23. Acts as a regulator.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 10, with the heater 22 and the heater holder 23 assembled together, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side. sandwiched. As a result, the contact terminals of the connector 70 and the electrodes 35 of the heater 22 are electrically connected, and the heater 22 is fixed to the heater holder 23 at the end opposite to the bent portion 40 side. That is, the heater 22 is held so as not to be separated from the heater holder 23 in the separating direction A by the engagement by the bent portion 40 on the one end side and the sandwiching by the connector 70 on the other end side. By regulating the separation of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 in this way, even if the heater 22 is vibrated when the pressurization of the nip portion N is released, for example, when handling a paper jam, the heater Detachment (separation) of the heater 22 from the folder 23 in the separation direction A is prevented.

The positioning of the heater 22 in the lateral direction with respect to the heater folder 23 is such that when the fixing belt 20 rotates with the rotation of the pressure roller 21, the heater 22 is urged downstream in the belt rotation direction by the fixing belt 20. It is done by being done. That is, in the present embodiment, since the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 is configured as a hole elongated in the lateral direction, the heater 22 is allowed to move downstream in the belt rotation direction. When the heater 22 abuts against one of the long side portions 60c and 60d (downstream side in the belt rotation direction) of the recess 60 of the heater folder 23, the heater 22 is restricted in movement and positioned in the width direction. Positioning in any direction parallel to the contact surface 39a, including positioning in the lateral direction, may be performed by engaging the positioning hole 43 and the protrusion 61. FIG.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, one end portion of the heater 22 in the longitudinal direction is engaged with the heater folder 23 to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A with respect to the heater folder 23 . Since the regulating portion 420 is provided, it is possible to regulate the separation of the heater 22 from the heater holder 23 at one end in the longitudinal direction without providing a separate member such as a heater clip. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced. Moreover, the attachment work is easier than when the heater 22 is held in the heater holder 23 using a separate member such as a heater clip. In particular, in the present embodiment, the heater 22 can be attached to the heater folder 23 by rotating the heater 22 around the engagement point between the bent portion 40 and the heater folder 23, so that the attachment work can be performed smoothly and easily. It is possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bent portion 40 (first bent portion 41) of the heater 22 is formed so as to be bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). , the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20 . In addition, it becomes easy to perform the assembly work when arranging the heater 22 in the fixing belt 20 .

As described above, the material of the base material 30 of the heater 22 can be plastic materials such as glass and ceramics in addition to metal materials. It is preferable to use By using a metal material for the base material 30, even in a configuration having the first bent portion 41 and the second bent portion 42 as in the present embodiment, the bent portions 41 and 42 can be easily formed. .

In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 32 and the second insulating layer 33 are formed by spraying an insulating material onto the substrate 30 in a film form. However, with this method, it is difficult to form an insulating layer for the bent portion 41 that is different in height (position in the thickness direction) from the body portion 39 . Therefore, in this embodiment, the insulating layers 32 and 33 are provided only on the main body portion 39 and not provided on the bent portion 41 .

Embodiments different from the above-described embodiments will be described below. Note that the following embodiment will be described with a focus on the parts that are different from the above-described embodiment, and the other parts will be omitted because they are basically the same.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the second embodiment of the invention.
Note that the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in FIG. 11 indicate the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction, as described above. The same applies to the drawings referred to in the following description.

In the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11, the bent portion 40 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the heater 22 is composed only of the first bent portion 41 . That is, the bent portion 41 according to the present embodiment does not have the second bent portion 42 described above. Further, in the present embodiment, a hole portion 44 is provided in the first bent portion 41 . On the other hand, a projection 62 projecting in the longitudinal direction of the heater 22 is provided at the end of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e.

In the second embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, as shown in FIG. so as to engage each other. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23 , the holes 44 of the heater 22 and the projections 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other. movement is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, of the surfaces forming the hole portion 44 of the heater 22, the surface 440 facing the separation direction A (see FIGS. 11 and 13) faces the opposite direction to the separation direction A of the convex portion 62. It functions as a separation restricting portion that engages with a surface (engaged portion) to restrict movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Further, as in the example shown in FIG. 14, opposite to the above configuration, a projection 47 projecting in the longitudinal direction is provided on the heater 22 side (for example, by embossing), and the heater folder 23 side is recessed in the longitudinal direction. A hole 63 may be provided. Also in this case, the movement of the heater 22 in the separating direction A can be restricted by the engagement between the hole 63 and the projection 47 . The hole 44 provided in the heater 22 or the hole 63 provided in the heater folder 23 is not limited to a through hole, and may be a hole having a bottom.

Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 extends from the body portion 39 to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). are formed to be bent in the opposite direction, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the heater 22 can be easily assembled. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the length of the base material 30 can be shortened by the amount corresponding to the absence of the second bent portion 42 compared to the first embodiment, so that the same effect can be achieved while the cost is low. It is possible. Moreover, since the length of the base material 30 is shortened, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can be improved.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the third embodiment of the invention.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a projecting piece portion 39b projecting in one of the width directions on the same plane as the body portion 39 at one end portion in the longitudinal direction. there is It should be noted that the term “on the same plane” as used herein means on the same plane with respect to the widest plane among the planes of the three mutually intersecting directions of the body portion 39 . In addition, "on the same plane" described below shall be similarly interpreted.

Further, in the present embodiment, a bent portion 40 is provided on the projecting piece portion 39b of the main body portion 39. As shown in FIG. The bent portion 40 includes a first bent portion 41 that is bent in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the projecting piece portion 39b, and a second bent portion that is bent from the first bent portion 41 toward the electrode 35 side of the body portion 39. 42. On the other hand, the heater folder 23 is provided with a protrusion 62 protruding in the lateral direction near the end on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e. Further, on the side of the longitudinal opening 60 of the heater folder 23, a part of one long side surface 60c constituting the recess 60 is notched in order to avoid interference with the projecting piece 39b of the main body 39. A lateral direction opening 60f is formed in a shape and is open in the lateral direction.

In this third embodiment, when mounting the heater 22, as shown in FIG. engage against. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 and the convex portion 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, so that the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 movement is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 , the surface 420 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) of the bent portion 40 facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 faces the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the convex portion 62 . function as a separation restricting portion that engages with the surface (engaged portion) facing the direction to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. In addition, in the present embodiment, the bent portion 40 is provided on the outer side of the main body portion 39 in the widthwise direction. It is possible to reduce the size of the heater 22 in the direction. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is formed small, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can also be improved.

18, in a state where the heater 22 is attached to the heater folder 23, the second bent portion 42 (separation regulation portion) of the heater 22 and the convex portion 62 (receiving portion) of the heater folder 23 are arranged. It may be configured so that there is a gap S (backlash) between the joint portion). In this case, the work of attaching the heater 22 to the heater folder 23 is facilitated.

On the contrary, as in the example shown in FIG. 19, a gap S (backlash) is provided between the second bent portion 42 (separation regulation portion) of the heater 22 and the convex portion 62 (engaged portion) of the heater holder 23. Instead, at least one of the second bent portion 42 and the convex portion 62 may contact each other while elastically deforming. In this case, it is possible to increase the adhesion of the heater 22 to the heater holder 23 by utilizing the elastic force. It should be noted that whether a gap S is interposed between the separation regulating portion and the engaged portion or whether they are brought into close contact with each other by elastic deformation can be appropriately selected and applied to other embodiments as well. It is possible.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a protruding piece portion 39b projecting in the longitudinal direction on the same plane as the body portion 39 at one end portion in the longitudinal direction. A first bent portion 41 that bends from the projected piece portion 39b in a direction opposite to the direction A in which the heater 22 is separated from the projected piece portion 39b and a portion that extends from the first bent portion 41 to the body portion 39 on the side opposite to the electrode 35 side. A bending portion 40 is provided which consists of a second bending portion 42 bending to the side. On the other hand, a hole portion 64 is formed in the bottom portion 60a of the recessed portion 60 provided in the heater folder 23 . The hole 64 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction so as to correspond to the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 . One longitudinal end of the concave portion 60 is not opened in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal opening 60e is not formed), and a side surface portion 60g is provided.

In this fourth embodiment, when mounting the heater 22, as shown in FIG. match. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater holder 23, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is inserted into the hole 64 of the heater folder 23, and the tip of the bent portion 40 is positioned on the back surface of the heater folder 23 (separation direction). A) restricts the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A with respect to the heater folder 23 . That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portion 40 of the heater 22, the surface 420 (see FIGS. 20 and 22) of the bent portion 40 facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 faces the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater folder 23. function as a separation restricting portion that engages with the surface (engaged portion) facing the direction to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is formed small, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can be improved.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 23, similarly to the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, a projecting piece 39b protruding in the longitudinal direction of the main body 39 is provided with a bent portion 40. As shown in FIG. However, unlike the fourth embodiment, the second bent portion 42 is provided so as to bend from the first bent portion 41 toward the electrode 35 side of the body portion 39 . On the other hand, at the end of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e, a hole 63 is provided which is recessed in the longitudinal direction (the side opposite to the longitudinal opening 60e) and in the thickness direction (separation direction A). there is

In the fifth embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is inserted into the hole 63 of the heater holder 23 and engaged therewith, as shown in FIG. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater holder 23 , the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is inserted into the hole 63 of the heater folder 23 and the tip of the bent portion 40 is engaged with the hole 63 . , the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A with respect to the heater folder 23 is regulated. That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 , the surface 420 (see FIGS. 23 and 25) of the bent portion 40 facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 faces the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the hole portion 63 . function as a separation restricting portion that engages with the surface (engaged portion) facing the direction to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is formed small, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can also be improved.

Further, as in the modification of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the second bent portion 42 may be further provided with a third bent portion 45 that is bent in a direction intersecting with the second bent portion 42 . In this case, the third bent portion 45 is inclined away from the main body portion 39 toward the distal end thereof, so that the third bent portion 45 functions as a guide portion when inserting the third bent portion 45 into the hole portion 63 . The insertion of the bent portion 40 into the portion 63 can be facilitated.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention.

In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a pair of projections provided at one end portion in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude in both lateral directions on the same plane as the body portion 39 . It has a piece 39b. Each protruding piece 39b has a first bending portion 41 that bends from the protruding piece 39b in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22, and a first bending portion 41 that bends inward in the lateral direction from the first bent portion 41. 2 bends 42 are provided. On the other hand, on the side of the longitudinal opening 60 of the heater folder 23, in order to avoid interference with the pair of projecting pieces 39b of the heater 22, parts of the long side surfaces 60c and 60d forming the recess 60 are provided. A pair of lateral direction openings 60f are formed in a notched shape and open in the lateral direction.

In this sixth embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, as shown in FIG. 28, a pair of bent portions 40 consisting of a first bent portion 41 and a second bent portion 42 of the heater 22 is attached to a heater folder. 23 in the vicinity of the pair of lateral openings 60f. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. 29, with the engagement point where the bent portion 40 and the portion near the lateral opening 60f engage as a fulcrum. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater holder 23, the tip of each bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is positioned on the rear surface of the heater folder 23 in the vicinity of the width direction opening 60f (in the direction opposite to the separation direction A). The movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A with respect to the heater folder 23 is restricted by engaging with the facing surface). That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portions 40 of the heater 22 , the surface 420 (see FIGS. 27 and 29) facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 is opposite to the separation direction A of the heater folder 23 . It functions as a separation regulating portion that engages with the facing surface (engaged portion) to regulate the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is provided on the outer side of the body portion 39 in the lateral direction, the size of the heater 22 is increased in the lateral direction, but the size of the heater 22 is decreased in the longitudinal direction. Is possible.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the seventh embodiment of the invention.

In the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 30, a main body portion 39 of a heater 22 has a protruding piece portion 39b that protrudes in the longitudinal direction on the same plane as the main body portion 39 at one end portion in the longitudinal direction. A first bent portion 41 bent from the projected piece portion 39b in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22 and a second bent portion bent from the first bent portion 41 in a lateral direction are provided on the projected piece portion 39b. A bend 40 is provided comprising 42 and . On the other hand, a projection 62 protruding in the longitudinal direction is provided at the end of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e.

In the seventh embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 is engaged with the convex portion 62 of the heater holder 23, as shown in FIG. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 and the convex portion 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, so that the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 movement is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 , the surface 420 (see FIGS. 30 and 32) of the bent portion 40 facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 faces the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the convex portion 62 . function as a separation restricting portion that engages with the surface (engaged portion) facing the direction to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is formed small, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can also be improved.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the eighth embodiment of the invention.

In the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a pair of projecting pieces 39b projecting in the longitudinal direction on the same plane as the body portion 39 at one longitudinal end thereof. . Each projecting piece 39b is provided with a pair of first bending portions 41 that are bent in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the projecting piece 39b. They are connected to each other by a second bent portion 42 that is bent in the hand direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the concave bent portion 40 is formed by the pair of first bent portions 41 and the second bent portion 42 connecting them. A hole portion 46 is formed between the concave bent portion 40 and the end surface of the body portion 39 . On the other hand, a projection 62 protruding in the longitudinal direction is provided at the end of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e.

In this eighth embodiment, when mounting the heater 22, as shown in FIG. The convex portion 62 is inserted and the edge of the bent portion 40 or the hole portion 46 is engaged with the convex portion 62 . Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23, the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 and the convex portion 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, so that the separation direction A of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 movement is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, of the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 , the surface 420 (see FIGS. 33 and 35) of the bent portion 40 facing the separation direction A of the second bent portion 42 faces the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the convex portion 62 . function as a separation restricting portion that engages with the surface (engaged portion) facing the direction to restrict the movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiments, each first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the main body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). , the bending portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the ninth embodiment of the invention.

In the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 36, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a protruding piece portion 39b at one end portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, which is flush with the body portion 39 and protrudes in one of the width directions. A first bent portion 41 that bends from the projected piece portion 39b in a direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22 and a second bent portion that bends outward in the lateral direction from the first bent portion 41 to the projected piece portion 39b. A bend 40 is provided which consists of a bend 42 . A hole portion 44 is provided in the first bent portion 41 . On the other hand, a protrusion 62 projecting in the lateral direction is provided on the longitudinal opening 60 e side of the heater folder 23 . On the side of the longitudinal opening 60 of the heater holder 23, a part of one long side surface 60c forming the recess 60 is notched in order to avoid interference with the projecting piece 39b of the heater 22. A lateral direction opening 60f is formed in a shape and is open in the lateral direction.

In the ninth embodiment, the direction in which the heater 22 is brought closer to the heater folder 23 and engaged is different from that in each of the above-described embodiments. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37 showing the heater 22 and the heater holder 23 from the right side of FIG. The protrusions 62 of the heater folder 23 are inserted into the provided holes 44 to engage with each other. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23 , the holes 44 of the heater 22 and the projections 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other. movement is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, of the surfaces forming the hole portion 44 of the heater 22, the surface 440 facing the separation direction A (see FIGS. 36 and 38) faces the opposite direction to the separation direction A of the convex portion 62. It functions as a separation restricting portion that engages with a surface (engaged portion) to restrict movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A. Contrary to the present embodiment, the first bent portion 41 may be provided with a convex portion, and the heater holder 23 may be provided with a hole portion that engages with the convex portion. Moreover, the holes provided in the heater 22 or the heater holder 23 are not limited to through-holes, and may be holes having bottoms.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, it is preferable to arrange the bent portion 40 of the heater 22 upstream of the heater folder 23 in the rotation direction of the fixing belt 20 . With this arrangement, the first bent portion 41 abuts against the heater folder 23 due to the urging force F in the rotation direction that the heater 22 receives from the fixing belt 20 . will be done.

Also in this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is provided on the outer side of the body portion 39 in the lateral direction, the size of the heater 22 is increased in the lateral direction, but the size of the heater 22 is decreased in the longitudinal direction. Is possible. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the bent portion 40 is formed small, the heat capacity of the base material 30 can be reduced, and the energy saving performance can also be improved.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the tenth embodiment of the invention.

In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 40, the body portion 39 of the heater 22 has a pair of protruding pieces 39b projecting in both lateral directions on the same plane as the body portion 39 at one longitudinal end thereof. are doing. In this embodiment, the heater 22 is not provided with the bent portion 40 described above. On the other hand, the heater folder 23 is provided with a pair of protrusions 62 that protrude in the separation direction A of the heater 22 from one end of each of the long side portions 60c and 60d and further protrude by bending in the longitudinal direction. Further, in order to avoid interference with the projecting pieces 39b of the heater 22, parts of the long side surfaces 60c and 60d are cut out at locations corresponding to the projections 62, A pair of lateral direction openings 60f that are opened in the lateral direction are formed.

In the tenth embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, as shown in FIG. to engage the protrusion 39b with the protrusion 62. As shown in FIG. Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23, the projections 39b of the heater 22 and the projections 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, so that the heater 22 is positioned relative to the heater folder 23. Movement in the separation direction A is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, the surface 390 (see FIGS. 40 and 42) of the projecting piece 39b of the heater 22 facing in the separation direction A is the surface of the protrusion 62 facing in the opposite direction to the separation direction A (engaged surface). ) to regulate movement of the heater 22 in the separation direction A. Further, a space (lateral opening 60f) between the projection 62 and the bottom surface 60a of the heater folder 23 is formed as a hole, and the projection 39b of the heater 22 is engaged with this hole. It may be configured as

Since the heater 22 according to the present embodiment does not have the bending portion 40 described above, the bending process becomes unnecessary, and the heater 22 can be manufactured at low cost. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the convex portion 62 of the heater folder 23 protrudes in the separation direction A of the heater 22 , when the convex portion 62 is arranged in the fixing belt 20 , the convex portion 62 is positioned against the fixing belt 20 . may interfere with each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 43, it is desirable that the convex portion 62 and the projecting piece portion 39b be arranged outside the width direction end portions of the fixing belt 20 in order to avoid interference with the fixing belt 20. FIG.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 44, a first bent portion 41 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 39 of the heater 22 so as to bend from the one end in the direction opposite to the separation direction A of the heater 22. there is Further, the first bent portion 41 has a pair of projecting pieces 41a projecting in both lateral directions on the same plane. On the other hand, at the end of the heater folder 23 on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e, a pair of projections 62 are provided by projecting the ends of the pair of long side surfaces 60c and 60d forming the recess 60 in the longitudinal direction. ing.

In the eleventh embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, each projection 41a of the first bent portion 41 is engaged with each projection 62 of the heater holder 23, as shown in FIG. Let Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater holder 23 , the protrusions 41 a of the first bent portion 41 and the protrusions 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, thereby Movement of the heater 22 in the separating direction A is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, the surfaces 410 (see FIGS. 44 and 46) of the protruding pieces 41a of the first bent portion 41 facing in the separation direction A face the projections 62 in the direction opposite to the separation direction A. It functions as a spacing restricting portion that engages with the facing surface (engaged portion) to restrict movement of the heater 22 in the spacing direction A.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is formed so as to be bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Therefore, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated. In addition, since the second bending portion 42 is not provided in the present embodiment, the base material 30 needs only to be bent once, which facilitates the processing.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the heater 22 and heater holder 23 according to the twelfth embodiment of the invention.

In the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 47, a first bent portion 41 that is bent in a direction opposite to the separating direction A of the heater 22 from the one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 39 of the heater 22 and a first A second bent portion 42 is provided which is bent in the longitudinal direction from the bent portion 41 . In addition, the second bent portion 42 has a pair of protruding pieces 42a that protrude in both lateral directions on the same surface. On the other hand, at the end on the side of the longitudinal opening 60e of the heater folder 23, as in the eleventh embodiment shown in FIGS. A pair of protrusions 62 are provided which protrude in the longitudinal direction.

In the twelfth embodiment, when the heater 22 is attached, first, each projection 42a of the second bent portion 42 is engaged with each projection 62 of the heater holder 23, as shown in FIG. Let Then, the heater 22 is rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. As a result, the heater 22 is housed in the recess 60 of the heater folder 23 , and the protrusion 61 of the heater folder 23 is inserted into the positioning hole 43 of the heater 22 . Then, the connector 70 is attached to the end of the heater 22 on the electrode 35 side in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

In this way, when the heater 22 is held by the heater folder 23 , the protrusions 42 a of the second bent portion 42 and the protrusions 62 of the heater folder 23 are engaged with each other, thereby Movement of the heater 22 in the separating direction A is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, the surfaces 420 (see FIGS. 47 and 49) of the protruding pieces 42a of the second bent portion 42 facing in the separation direction A are arranged in the direction opposite to the separation direction A in the convex portion 62. It functions as a spacing restricting portion that engages with the facing surface (engaged portion) to restrict movement of the heater 22 in the spacing direction A.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiments, the first bent portion 41 of the heater 22 is bent from the body portion 39 to the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side (nip portion N side). Since it is formed, the bent portion 40 is less likely to interfere with the fixing belt 20, and the work of assembling the heater 22 is facilitated.

FIG. 50 is a view of the heater folder 23 in which the heater 22 according to the present embodiment is attached and viewed from the longitudinal opening 60e of the heater folder 23. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 50, in the present embodiment, the second bent portion 42 has a pair of protrusions 42a that protrude in both lateral directions. 62 prevents the heater 22 from separating from the heater folder 23 . On the other hand, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, one of the pair of projecting pieces 42a may be omitted. In this case as well, the separation of the heater 22 from the heater folder 23 can be prevented by engaging one projecting piece 42 a with one projection 62 of the heater folder 23 . Further, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, by extending the convex portion 62 of the heater folder 23 without the projecting portion 41a in the thickness direction, it is possible to prevent erroneous assembly when, for example, the heaters 22 having different applied voltages are assembled. etc. can be used. That is, even if an attempt is made to assemble the heater 22 shown in FIG. 51 to the heater holder 23 shown in FIG. 52, the protrusion 42a interferes with the projection 62 on the left side of FIG. Conversely, the same applies when the heater 22 shown in FIG. 52 is assembled to the heater holder 23 shown in FIG. In this manner, the heater 22 cannot be assembled unless the projections 42a of the heater 22 and the projections 62 of the heater holder 23 match in shape, thereby preventing erroneous assembly.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Therefore, each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof may be appropriately combined.

In the above-described embodiments, the color image forming apparatus is described as an example, but the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be a monochrome image forming apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine of these.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the two resistance heating elements 31 are arranged parallel to each other over the longitudinal direction of the base material 30 and electrically connected in series. Moreover, the heater 22 may have a plurality of resistive heating elements 31 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 30 (belt width direction). Also, as in this example, each resistance heating element 31 is formed in a shape having a plurality of folded portions, and is electrically connected in parallel to a pair of electrodes 35 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base material 30. may be connected. In the heater 22 having such a plurality of resistance heating elements 31, the gap between the resistance heating elements 31 adjacent to each other is preferably 0.3 mm or more from the viewpoint of ensuring insulation between the resistance heating elements 31, and 0.3 mm or more. 0.4 mm or more is more preferable. If the gap between the resistance heating elements 31 adjacent to each other is too large, the temperature in the gap tends to drop. 7 mm or less is more preferable.

In addition to the fixing device shown in FIG. 2, the present invention can also be applied to fixing devices shown in FIGS. 54 to 56, for example. The configuration of each fixing device shown in FIGS. 54 to 56 will be briefly described below.

First, the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. It is configured to be sandwiched and heated. On the pressure roller 21 side, a nip forming member 81 is arranged on the inner periphery of the fixing belt 20 . The nip forming member 81 is supported by the stay 24 , and the fixing belt 20 is sandwiched between the nip forming member 81 and the pressure roller 21 to form a nip portion N. As shown in FIG.

Next, in the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 55, the pressure roller 80 described above is omitted. is formed in an arc shape. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG.

Finally, in the fixing device 9 shown in FIG. 56, a pressure belt 82 is provided in addition to the fixing belt 20, and the heating nip (first nip portion) N1 and the fixing nip (second nip portion) N2 are separated. are doing. That is, a nip forming member 81 and a stay 83 are arranged on the side opposite to the fixing belt 20 side with respect to the pressure roller 21, and the pressure belt 82 is rotated so as to include the nip forming member 81 and the stay 83. placed as possible. Then, the paper P is passed through the fixing nip N2 between the pressure belt 82 and the pressure roller 21 and heated and pressed to fix the image. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the fixing device 9 shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present invention, the planar heating member (heater) itself has a separation regulating portion that regulates movement in the separation direction with respect to the holding member (heater folder), so that a heater clip or the like can be separated. The number of parts can be reduced compared to the case of using members. As a result, the cost can be reduced, and the workability of attaching the heating member to the holding member can be improved. Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the attachment of the heating member to the holding member can be performed by rotating the heating member around the engagement point where the heating member and the holding member are engaged. can be done smoothly and easily. This also improves the workability of attaching the heating member to the holding member.

9 Fixing Device 19 Heating Device 20 Fixing Belt 21 Pressure Roller (opposing member)
22 heater (heating member)
23 heater folder (holding member)
39 body portion 39a contact surface 40 bending portion 41 first bending portion 42 second bending portion 43 positioning hole (positioning portion)
44 Hole 47 Projection 61 Projection 62 Projection 63 Hole 390 Separation Regulating Part 410 Separation Regulating Part 420 Separation Regulating Part 440 Separation Regulating Part 100 Image forming apparatus A Separation direction N Nip part

JP-A-2002-117959

Claims (13)

A planar heating device that is held by a holding member arranged inside an endless belt that forms a nip portion by contacting an opposing member, and that heats the belt by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the belt at the nip portion. a member,
By engaging with the holding member, movement of the heating member in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the heating member facing the belt and separating the heating member from the holding member can be restricted. having a separation regulation part,
The separation regulation part is provided only in a portion arranged outside the width direction end of the belt,
The heating member, wherein the spacing regulation portion is provided only outside a center of the heating member in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the belt and parallel to the facing surface. 2. The heating member according to claim 1, wherein the spacing restricting portion engages with a surface of the holding member facing in a direction opposite to the spacing direction. 3. The heating member according to claim 1, wherein the spacing restricting portion is engaged with a protrusion or a hole provided in the holding member so as to protrude or recess in a direction crossing the spacing direction. The separation restricting portion is a first bending portion provided to bend in a direction opposite to the separation direction from the body portion forming the facing surface, or bends from the first bending portion in a direction crossing the first bending portion. 4. A heating member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heating member is provided on a second bent portion provided to allow the heating element to bend. 5. The heating member according to claim 4, wherein the spacing restricting portion is formed by a surface of the second bent portion facing the spacing direction. 5. The heating member according to claim 4, wherein the spacing restricting portion is formed by a surface of the first bent portion facing the spacing direction. 7. The heating member according to claim 6, wherein the separation restricting portion is configured by a convex portion or a hole provided in the first bent portion. 4. The heating member according to claim 2, wherein the separation restricting portion is provided on a protruding portion provided on the same surface as the body portion forming the facing surface. The heating member according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first bent portion is formed to be bent in a direction opposite to the belt side. A planar heating member that is held by a holding member and heats a member to be heated,
Engagement with the holding member restricts movement of the heating member in a separation direction in which the heating member separates from the holding member, which is a direction perpendicular to the facing surface of the heating member with respect to the member to be heated. having a possible separation regulation part,
a positioning portion for positioning the heating member with respect to the holding member in a direction parallel to the facing surface;
The positioning portion is configured to be capable of being positioned with respect to the holding member by rotating the heating member about the engaging portion so that the separation restricting portion is engaged with the holding member. A heating element , characterized by : a heating element;
A heating device comprising a holding member that holds the heating member,
A heating device using the heating member according to any one of claims 1 to 10 as the heating member. an endless belt;
a heating device for heating the belt;
A fixing device comprising: a facing member that forms a nip portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the belt,
A fixing device using the heating device according to claim 11 as the heating device. An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 12 .

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