JPH0895399A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an image forming device capable of reducing the wear of an image carrier, attaining the extension of the life and realizing the image forming with high accuracy. CONSTITUTION: In the device provided with developing unit 3 for forming the toner image on the dielectric belt 1, the heat roller 4 for thermal transferring the toner image formed on the dielectric belt 1 to the recording sheet 6 and the pressure roller 5, the endless belt 52 is energized by the energizing belt 31 so that the belt 1A moving in the first direction is held in contact with the belt 1B counter moving in the second direction, thus the belt 1A of the first direction and the belt 1B of the second direction is rubbed each other, and then the heat exchange by shifting the heat generated in between, from the belt 1B of the second direction to the belt 1A of the first direction is realized.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image formed on an image bearing member onto a transfer medium by heat directly or via an intermediate transfer medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus used for a printer or a plotter, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-29877
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. FIG. 11 conceptually shows the configuration of the conventional example, and the electrostatic image forming unit 102 is shown in FIG.
The electrostatic latent image formed on the dielectric belt 101 by
It is developed by the developing device 103 to form a toner image. Then, this toner image is carried by the dielectric belt 101, and is transferred and fixed on the continuous paper 107 by heat at the nip portion formed by the heat roller 104 and the pressure roller 105. In this case, the dielectric belt 101 must be heated to a predetermined temperature in order to melt the toner in the transfer / fixing section, and must be maintained at a temperature not causing blocking of the toner in the developing section 103. Therefore, a heat exchanging portion 106 for exchanging heat is provided by bringing the back surfaces into contact with each other at the facing portions of the dielectric belt 101 that move in opposite directions, or by bringing them into thermal contact with each other.
You are trying to reach your desired goal.

In this case, as the heat exchange section 106, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the platen 109 is used to enhance the adhesion of the contact portions between the back surfaces of the dielectric belt 101.
One that is biased from the outside of 1, or
As shown in FIG. 13, an intermediate body 110 made of cast iron or the like is interposed between the contact portions of the back surfaces of the dielectric belt 101, and the dielectric belt 101 is biased toward the intermediate body 110 side to be in close contact. is there.

[0004]

However, according to such a heat exchange section 106, in the one using the platen 109, the platen 109 rubs against the surface of the dielectric belt 101 and the intermediate body 110 is interposed. Since the intermediate body 110 rubs against the back surface of the dielectric belt 101, not only the dielectric belt 101 but also the platen 109 and the intermediate body 110.
There is a problem that the urging member of No. 2 is worn, the image quality of the formed image is deteriorated, and the life of the dielectric belt 101 is significantly shortened.

Therefore, when the bias is applied from the belt surface in order to improve the adhesion between the dielectric belts, the toner image is disturbed when the bias is applied from the belt surface on which the toner image is formed. In addition, if only the heat exchange between the belts is performed without using any urging member, the belt temperature in the toner image forming section should be kept low against the changes in environmental conditions. There was a problem that it became difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and prevents the surface of the image bearing member from being scratched or abraded, has a long life, and can realize highly accurate image formation. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an image carrier composed of an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and the toner image forming means for forming the toner image on the image carrier. Thermal transfer means for thermally transferring the toner image formed on the transfer medium onto a transfer medium, and a portion in the first direction in the conveying process from the toner image forming means moving in the opposite direction of the image carrier to the thermal transfer means and the thermal transfer means. From the toner carrier to the toner image forming means, the urging means urges the image carrier so as to bring it into contact with the portion in the second direction.

Further, in the present invention, the urging means is constituted by a rotating body. Further, the present invention provides an image carrier composed of an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier by the toner image forming means. Thermal transfer means for thermally transferring onto the transfer medium, a portion in the first direction of the conveying process from the toner image forming means moving in the opposite direction of the image carrier to the thermal transfer means, and the thermal transfer means to the toner image forming means. The heat transfer means is interposed between the image carrier and the portion in the second direction in the conveyance process without sliding.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there are provided a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier consisting of an endless belt and a thermal transfer means for thermally transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier onto a transfer medium. , A portion in the first direction in the conveying process from the toner image forming unit to the thermal transfer unit and a portion in the second direction in the conveying process from the thermal transfer unit to the toner image forming unit in the opposing portions of the image carrier that move in opposite directions. By urging the urging means so as to bring them into contact with each other, the moving parts of the image carrier in opposite directions are rubbed against each other, and the heat moving from the second direction part to the first direction part side of the image carrier is rubbed between them. Since the replacement can be realized and the biasing means does not rub against the image carrier, it is possible to prevent the surface of the image carrier from being scratched or worn.

Further, according to the present invention, since the urging means is a rotating body, the surface of the image bearing member is not scratched,
In addition, it is possible to prevent wear of the biasing means. Also,
According to the present invention, there are provided a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on an image carrier composed of an endless belt, and a thermal transfer means for thermally transferring the toner image formed on the image carrier onto a transfer medium. Between opposing portions of the carrier that move in opposite directions, between a portion in the first direction in the conveying process from the toner image forming unit to the thermal transfer unit and a portion in the second direction in the conveying process from the thermal transfer unit to the toner image forming unit. Since the heat transfer means is interposed in the heat transfer means, it is possible to realize heat exchange in which the heat in the second direction part of the image carrier is transferred to the first direction part via the heat transfer means, and moreover, the heat transfer means is Since it does not rub against the image carrier, it is possible to prevent the surface of the image carrier from being scratched or worn.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the first embodiment. In the figure, the image carrier is an endless dielectric belt 1.
It is composed of The dielectric belt 1 is rotatably suspended by the developing facing rollers 31, 31 facing the developing device 3, the heat roller 4 and other driven rollers. The electrostatic image forming unit 2, the developing device 3, the heat roller 4, the pressure roller 5, the cleaner 7, and the eraser 8 are sequentially provided along the transporting direction of the dielectric belt 1.

The dielectric belt 1 is conveyed in the arrow direction as shown in FIG. 1 by rotating the heat roller 5 by a drive motor (not shown). Further, the dielectric belt 1 is a biasing belt 50 that applies a bias from the outside so as to directly contact the back surfaces of the dielectric belt 1 as the heat exchanging portions 30 with each other so as to rub against each other at opposing portions that move in opposite directions.
Has been arranged.

The urging belt 50 includes rollers 311, 3
The endless belt 313 is rotatably suspended on the outer surface of the dielectric belt 1. The endless belt 313 is movably moved in the same direction as the dielectric belt 1. ing. In this case, when the side of the dielectric belt 1 having the toner image is the belt 1A in the first direction, the urging belt 31 applies the urging force from the side of the belt 1B in the second direction to be cooled without the toner image, The belt 1A in the first direction and the belt 1B in the second direction are rubbed together. In addition, the cooling member 14 is arranged along the urging belt 31, and the urging belt 31 is arranged by the cooling member 14.
I'm trying to cool.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a recording sheet. The recording sheet 6 is sent out by a paper feed roller 110, is sent between a heat roller 5 and a pressure roller 6 by a carrying roller, and is discharged by a paper discharge roller 11. It is like this.

In the first embodiment thus constructed, the toner image formed on the dielectric belt 1 as described below is finally transferred and fixed on the recording sheet 6. First, the electrostatic image forming unit 2 forms an electrostatic latent image on the dielectric belt 1. Examples of the electrostatic image forming unit 2 in this case include ion flow control recording means or means for forming a latent image with laser light after being uniformly charged.

Thereafter, in the developing device 3, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image 10A, which is visualized. In this state, the belt 1A of the dielectric belt 1 in the first direction is raised in temperature by rubbing with the belt 1B in the second direction in the heat exchange section 30, and the recording sheet sent from the paper feed roller 10 is fed. 6 is conveyed between the heat roller 4 and the pressure roller 5.

Then, the dielectric belt 1 carrying the toner image 10A is heated by the heat roller 4 from the rear surface thereof, the toner image 10A on the dielectric belt 1 is softened, and the toner image 10A is formed on the recording sheet 6. It is transferred thermally.
The toner image 10A is transferred onto the recording sheet 6 and, at the same time, is pressed by the pressure roller 5 and fixed onto the recording sheet 6.

After that, the recording sheet 6 and the dielectric belt 1
Are separated by a separating device (not shown), and the recording sheet 6
Is discharged through a discharge roller 11 to a discharge tray or the like (not shown). On the other hand, after the cleaner 7 removes residual toner from the dielectric belt 1, the belt 1B in the second direction is urged by the heat exchange section 30. The toner image 1 is generated by the urging of the belt 31.
0A is pressed in the direction of the belt 1A in the first direction, comes into contact with the belt 1A in the first direction, and is rubbed against each other. At this time, the heat stored in the belt 1B in the second direction is It is supplied to the belt 1A side. As a result, the temperature of the belt 1B in the second direction drops. That is, in this process, heat is exchanged from the portion of the belt 1B in the second direction to the portion of the belt 1A in the first direction to which heat is supplied by rubbing, and heat is recycled. And, as a result of the recycling of this heat, power consumption can be saved.

As the urging belt 31, a resin belt, for example, a resin such as polyimide or a metal belt is preferable in consideration of heat resistance and mechanical strength. Further, in order to prevent heat from being released to the urging belt 31, when a metal belt is used, it is desirable to coat the belt surface with a resin having heat resistance and a low heat transfer coefficient.

In order to prevent the surface of the dielectric belt 1 from being damaged, it is preferable to overcoat the surface of the biasing belt 31 with a resin having a low hardness. For example, if silicone rubber or the like is used, scratches on the dielectric belt 1 can be reduced, and due to the adhesiveness of the silicone rubber, the residual toner 10B that could not be removed by the cleaner 7 is attached to the urging belt 31 side, and It is also possible to clean the body belt 1.

Further, by using the urging belt 31, a simple structure and a portion of the first belt 1B for cooling over a wide range and a portion of the second belt 1A for heating,
Adhesion can be obtained. And the urging belt 31
However, if the belt is thin, for example, 25 μ to 200 μ, the heat capacity can be reduced, and heat loss to the urging belt 31 can be prevented.

The dielectric belt 1 may be coated with a metal foil on the back surface in order to improve heat transfer by rubbing, or may be coated with a fluorine-based resin in order to improve slidability.

By the way, the dielectric belt 1 includes the developing device section 3
It is desirable to keep the temperature at the part below 60 ° C. Therefore, the dielectric belt 1 is provided with a temperature sensor 13A for measuring the temperature of the belt immediately before reaching the developing unit 3,
The temperature of the dielectric belt 1 can be controlled with good response by controlling the cooling member 14 such as cooling with air based on the information from the temperature sensor 13A to control the cooling member 14.

In this case, since the dielectric belt 1 is cooled via the urging belt 31, the cooling member 14 and the dielectric belt 1 do not come into direct contact with each other, the endless belt 1 is not worn, and The body belt 1 can be cooled. Since the urging belt 31 is arranged on the side of the first belt 1B portion to be cooled which has no toner image, the urging belt 31
It is possible to improve the heat exchange rate without disturbing the toner image 10A on the belt, and it is possible to output a good print image quality.

Thereafter, the dielectric belt 1 is brought into an electrically neutral state by the eraser 8 to prepare for the next image forming process. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the second embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 2, the image carrier comprises a transfer belt 51. In this case, the dielectric drum 12 is rotatably provided, and the electrostatic image forming unit 2, the developing device 3, the cleaning 7A, and the eraser 8 are arranged along the circumference of the drum 12. In addition, the transfer member 1 is transferred to the drum 12.
The transfer belt 51 is disposed via the transfer belt 3, and the toner image 10C formed on the drum 12 is transferred to the transfer member 13.

Further, an air pressure 32 is applied to the opposing portions of the transfer belt 51 which move in opposite directions, from the outside so as to bring the back surfaces of the transfer belt 51 into contact and rub against each other as the heat exchange portion 30B. ing.

Others are the same as in FIG. Then,
In such a structure, first, the electrostatic image forming unit 2 forms an electrostatic latent image on the drum 12. Examples of the electrostatic image forming means 2 in this case include ion flow control recording means or means for forming a latent image with a laser beam after being uniformly charged.

Thereafter, the developing device 3 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image 10C, which is visualized. Then, the toner image 10C on the drum 12 is transferred onto the transfer belt 51 by the transfer member 13.

In this case, the drum 12 by the transfer member 13
The transfer of the toner image from the transfer belt 51 to the transfer belt 51 may be performed by any of electrical, pressure and thermal transfer methods. In this state, the belt 51A in the first direction of the transfer belt 51 has the heat exchange portion 3
The belt temperature is raised by rubbing with the belt 51B in the second direction at 0B, and the heat roller 4 and the pressure roller 5 together with the recording sheet 6 delivered from the paper feed roller 10.
Be transported between.

Then, the transfer belt 51 carrying the toner image 10A is heated by the heat roller 4 from its back surface, the toner image 10A on the dielectric belt 1 is softened, and the toner image 10 is heated on the recording sheet 6. Be transcribed. The toner image 10A is transferred onto the recording sheet 6 and, at the same time, is pressed by the pressure roller 5 and fixed onto the recording sheet 6.

After that, the recording sheet 6 and the transfer belt 51
Are separated by a separating device (not shown), and the recording sheet 6
Is discharged to a discharge tray or the like (not shown) through the discharge roller 11, while the transfer belt 51 has a belt 51B in the second direction after the residual toner is removed by the cleaner 7.
Is urged by the air pressure 32 of the heat exchange section 30B to generate the toner image 1
It is pressed in the direction of the first direction belt 51A carrying 0A, comes into contact with the belt 51A and is rubbed together, and at this time, the heat stored in the second direction belt 51B is supplied to the belt 51A side in the first direction. To be done. As a result of this, the second
The temperature of the belt 51B in the direction decreases. That is, in this process, heat is exchanged from the portion of the belt 51B in the second direction to the portion of the belt 51A in the first direction heated by rubbing.

In this case, the urging of the transfer belt 51 by the air pressure 32 can extend the life of the belt because the urging means and the transfer belt 51 are not in contact with each other. Further, the air pressure 32 also has an effect of cooling the portion of the first belt 51B of the transfer belt 51.

By the way, the temperature of the transfer belt 51 at the contact portion with the drum 12 is set to 70 in order to prevent thermal deformation of the drum, to stabilize the developing property by the thinner, to secure the cleaning property, and to stabilize the charging property. It is desirable to keep the temperature below ℃. Therefore, the transfer belt 51 is provided with a temperature sensor 13B that measures the temperature of the belt 1 immediately before it comes into contact with the drum 12, and the wind pressure of the air pressure 32 is controlled based on the information of the temperature sensor 13B, so that the transfer is performed. The temperature of the belt 51 can be controlled with good response.

Thereafter, the transfer belt 51 is ready to receive a new toner image 10C from the drum 12. On the other hand, the drum 12 that has completed the transfer is cleaned by the cleaning 7A and brought into an electrically neutral state by the eraser 8 to prepare for the next image forming process. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the third embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 3, the image carrier is an endless belt 5.
It consists of 2. The endless belt 52 may be a dielectric belt or a lever belt. In this case, the endless belt 52
An urging belt 33A that applies an urging force from the outside so as to bring the back surfaces of the dielectric belts 1 into contact with each other and rub them against each other is disposed as a heat exchange portion 30C in the opposing portion that moves in the reciprocal direction.

The urging belt 33A includes rollers 331,
The endless belt 333 is rotatably suspended around the end piece 332 and has a strong rigidity. The endless belt 5 is moved in the same direction as the endless belt 52.
The rubbed portion 2 is urged from the outside to enhance the adhesiveness. In this case, the urging belt 31 applies the urging force from the belt 52B side in the second direction to the belt 52A in the first direction of the endless belt 52, and the belt 52 in the first direction.
A and the belt 52B in the second direction are rubbed against each other to perform heat exchange.

In this way, the urging belt 33A is
Since the adhesion between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction can be enhanced and bias can be applied in a wider range, more efficient heat exchange can be obtained.

Here, the strong belt of the urging belt 33A is, for example, a metal belt, specifically, a thickness of 5
Electroformed nickel belt of 0μ or more coated with silicone resin, polyimide resin, fluororesin, etc.
By using such an urging belt 33A, it is possible to reduce wear of the endless belt 52 and reduce heat loss from the endless belt 52 to the urging belt 33A. (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the fourth embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, as the heat exchange portion 30D, a biasing belt 33B for biasing the endless belt 52 from the outside so as to bring the back surfaces of the endless belts 52 into contact with each other and to rub against each other is provided as the heat exchange portion 30D. It is arranged.

The urging belt 33B includes rollers 331,
The endless belt 333 is rotatably suspended around the endless belt 332, and the contact portion of the endless belt 52 is biased from the outside while moving in the same direction as the moving direction of the endless belt 52 to enhance the adhesion. . That is, the biasing belt 31 is the belt 52A in the first direction of the endless belt 52.
Against the belt 52B side in the second direction,
The belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction are rubbed against each other to perform heat exchange.

The urging belt 33B includes a belt 52A in the first direction of the endless belt 52 and a belt 5 in the second direction.
In order to enhance the adhesiveness of 2B and apply a bias in a wider range, from the back surface of the endless belt 333, the endless belt 333
An urging member 34 for urging is provided.

In this way, it is not necessary to use a thick metal belt as in the third embodiment described above, and an inexpensive biasing member 34 can be used. Further, although friction is generated between the urging belt 33B and the urging member 34, no friction is generated between the urging member 34 and the second belt 52B of the endless belt 52. Even if 33B deteriorates, the second belt 52B does not deteriorate, and the urging belt 33B can be easily replaced. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the fifth embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchanging section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in opposite directions.
As E, a plurality of heat transfer rollers 35A are interposed, and the heat transfer rollers 35A thermally connect the belt 52B in the second direction to the belt 52A in the first direction, and heat is exchanged between them. .

In this way, it is possible to maintain a good quality printed image without damaging the back surface of the endless belt 52,
Also, by extending the life of the belt 1, it is possible to reduce the running cost. In addition, the heat transfer roller 3
By using 5A as a metal roller having a high heat transfer rate, heat can be efficiently exchanged. Further, the transmission roller 35A is
The heat exchange property can be improved by providing a plurality of heat exchangers. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of the sixth embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchange section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in opposite directions.
As F, a heat transfer belt 36A is interposed, and the heat transfer belt 36A thermally connects the belt 52B in the second direction and the belt 52A in the first direction to perform heat exchange between them. In this case, the heat transfer belt 36A
Is composed of an endless belt 363 which is rotatably suspended by rollers 361 and 362 and which is curved outward and has a strong rigidity. Here, for the endless belt 363, for example, a metal belt, specifically, an electroformed nickel belt having a thickness of 50 μm or more is used.

In this way, the heat transfer belt 36A
Is the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 5 in the second direction.
By increasing the respective adhesiveness with 2B and urging the endless belt 52 in a wider range, high heat transferability can be obtained and the heat exchange rate can be further increased. (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of the seventh embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchanging section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in the opposite direction.
As G, the heat transfer belt 36B is interposed, the heat transfer belt 36B thermally connects the belt 52B in the second direction and the belt 52A in the first direction, and heat is exchanged between them.

In this case, the heat transfer belt 36A has rollers 361 and 362 and an endless belt 363 which is rotatably suspended by the rollers 361 and 362.
A biasing member 37 is interposed between opposing portions of the endless belt 363 that move in opposite directions, and the biasing member 37 causes the endless belt 363 to move in a first direction of the endless belt 52.
The belt 52B in the A direction and the second direction is pressed and biased.

In this way, the heat transfer belt 36B
In addition, the adhesion of the endless belt 52 to the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction can be enhanced, and the bias can be applied in a wide range, and the heat exchange rate can be further enhanced. Further, unlike the above-described sixth embodiment, it is not necessary to use a thick metal belt, which can be realized by an inexpensive urging means. (Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a schematic structure of the eighth embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchange section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in the opposite direction.
As H, a plurality of roller-shaped magnetic fluid members 38, which are heat transfer members, are interposed, and the magnetic fluid members 38 thermally connect the belt 52B in the second direction to the belt 52A in the first direction. I try to exchange heat.

Here, the magnetic fluid member 38 is obtained by magnetically restraining the magnetic fluid 40 to the magnet 39. The magnetic fluid 40 may be magnetic powder. By doing so, the contact area between the endless belt 52 and the magnetic fluid member 38 can be increased to further improve the heat exchange efficiency. Further, by forming the magnetic fluid member 38 into a roller shape,
Since the contact with the endless belt 52 can be made soft, a high-quality printed image can be maintained without damaging the belt 1, and the running cost can be reduced by extending the life of the belt.

In this case, the toner image 1 on the endless belt 52 is
When 0A is a magnetic substance, the toner image 10A may be slightly disturbed by the magnetic force of the magnet 39 that holds the magnetic fluid 40. However, by rotating the magnet 39 at the same speed as the endless belt 52, the magnet 39 is rotated. The effect of can be avoided. (Ninth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration of the ninth embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchange section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in opposite directions.
As I, a plurality of heat transfer rollers 35B are interposed, and the belt 52B in the second direction is thermally connected to the belt 52A in the first direction by these heat transfer rollers 35B, and heat is exchanged between them. .

Further, by arranging a plurality of biasing rollers 41 on the surface of the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52, and pressing the surface of the belt 52B in the second direction with these biasing rollers 41, the endless belt 52 is pressed. The adhesion between the heat transfer roller 35B and the heat transfer roller 35B is enhanced, and the bias is applied in a wide range.

By doing so, the heat exchange efficiency between the endless belt 52 and the heat transfer roller 35B can be further enhanced. (Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of the tenth embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the heat exchange section 30 is provided between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52 at the facing portion of the endless belt 52 which moves in the opposite direction.
As J, a plurality of heat transfer belts 36C are interposed, the heat transfer belts 36C thermally connect the belt 52B in the second direction and the belt 52A in the first direction, and heat is exchanged between them. . In this case, the heat transfer belt 36C is composed of an endless belt 363 that is rotatably suspended on rollers 361 and 362.

Further, the urging belt 42A is arranged on the surface of the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52, and the surface of the belt 52B in the second direction is pressed by the urging belt 42A, so that the endless belt 52 and the endless belt 52 are heated. The adhesion with the transmission belt 36C is enhanced and the bias is applied in a wide range. In this case, the urging belt 42A is also the roller 4
An endless belt 423 is rotatably suspended at 21, 422.

By doing so, since the plurality of heat transfer belts 36C are arranged between the belt 52A in the first direction and the belt 52B in the second direction of the endless belt 52, the endless belt 52 and The heat exchange efficiency between the two can be further increased. (Eleventh Embodiment) The first embodiment described above for improving the heat exchange rate.
It is also possible to attach a cooling means such as a heat pipe or a Peltier element to each urging member or heat conducting member described in the tenth to tenth embodiments, and to control the cooling means by the temperature of the endless belts 1, 51, 52.

In this way, since the endless belt is cooled via the biasing belt, the cooling member and the endless belt do not come into direct contact with each other, and the endless belt can be cooled without being worn. Moreover, by adding a cooling means, cooling of the endless belt by heat exchange can be assisted, and the temperature of the endless belt can be lowered more reliably. Further, by controlling the cooling means, it is possible to more reliably lower the temperature of the endless belt even if environmental conditions change or internal conditions change due to heat generation of the image forming apparatus itself. (Eleventh Embodiment) In the configuration of FIG. 9 or 10 described in the ninth and tenth embodiments, air pressure can be used instead of the biasing roller 41 and the biasing belt 42A as the biasing means.

By doing so, the heat conducting means can be biased in a non-contact manner. That is, since the biasing of the heat conducting means by the air pressure is non-contact, there is no wear of the heat conducting means and the life can be extended. Also,
Since the bearings and the like are not worn when the rotating member name is used as the urging means, a more reliable image forming apparatus can be realized. The air pressure also has the effect of cooling the heat conducting means.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the following inventions are included in the specification of the present invention. (1) An image carrier composed of an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier by the toner image forming means on a transfer medium. And a part in the first direction of the transfer process from the toner image forming device to the thermal transfer device that moves in opposite directions of the image carrier and the transfer process from the thermal transfer device to the toner image forming device. An image forming apparatus comprising: an urging unit that applies an urging force without rubbing against the image carrier so as to bring the portion in the second direction into contact.

The embodiments relating to the present invention are as follows:
Corresponds. In this way, heat of the second-direction portion of the image carrier, which is generated by closely contacting and rubbing the oppositely-moving portions of the image carrier, is transferred to the first-direction portion. As a result, it is possible to maintain a high quality printed image, and it is possible to prevent the image carrier surface from being scratched or worn, so that the life of the image carrier can be extended and the running cost can be reduced. You can

(2) In the image forming apparatus described in (1) above, the urging means is a rotating body. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 1, 3, and 4.

By doing so, the surface of the image bearing member is not scratched, and the wear of the biasing means can be prevented.
The life of the image forming apparatus itself can be extended, reliability can be improved, and running costs can be reduced.

(3) In the image forming apparatus described in (2) above, the rotating body is composed of a plurality of rollers and a belt that rotates along the rollers. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 1, 3, and 4.

By doing so, the portion of the image carrier in the second direction to be cooled and the portion in the first direction to be heated can be brought into close contact with each other over a wide range. Thus, when the rotating body is a roller, the image carrier can be in close contact only with the contact point with the roller, and if the number of rollers is increased to improve heat exchange, the structure becomes complicated and the machine Although it may have been expensive, if a belt is used as the rotating body, it is possible to obtain adhesion to the image carrier over a wide range with a simple structure. Further, if the biasing belt is a thin belt, for example, 25 μ to 200 μ, the heat capacity can be reduced and heat loss to the biasing belt can be prevented. Also, if a belt with high rigidity is used, it is possible to apply the force over a wider range.

(4) In the image forming apparatus described in (1) and the image forming apparatus described in (11), the urging means is a member having a heat transfer property lower than that of the image carrier. in this case,
The urging means is thermally shielded from the image bearing member, and as the image bearing member, for example, an endless belt in which the surface of the base material belt is coated with a resin having low thermal conductivity is used.

The embodiment relating to the present invention is the embodiment 1,
2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12 correspond. By doing so, it is possible to limit the heat from the belt to be released to the biasing means and further from the biasing means to the other, and the heat of the belt to be cooled can be efficiently supplied to the belt to be heated. The heat exchange rate can be increased and the power consumption can be saved.

(5) In the image forming apparatus described in (1) above, the biasing means is air pressure. The embodiment relating to the present invention corresponds to the second embodiment.

In this way, the image carrier can be biased in a non-contact manner. In other words, the urging of the image carrier by the air pressure is non-contact, so that the image carrier is not worn away at all, so that the life can be remarkably extended. Also,
Since wear of bearings and the like when using a rotating body or the like as the urging means is eliminated, a more reliable image forming apparatus can be realized. Further, the air pressure also has the effect of cooling the cooling portion of the image bearing member. Furthermore, by installing a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the image carrier and controlling the air pressure based on the information of the temperature sensor, the temperature of the image carrier can be easily controlled with good response.

(6) An image carrier composed of an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier by the toner image forming means. Thermal transfer means for thermally transferring onto the transfer medium, a portion in the first direction of the conveying process from the toner image forming means moving in the opposite direction of the image carrier to the thermal transfer means, and the thermal transfer means to the toner image forming means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a heat transfer unit that is interposed between the image carrier and a portion in the second direction during the conveyance process of the image carrier without sliding.

The embodiments relating to the present invention are as follows:
0 corresponds. By doing so, heat can be transferred from the portion of the image carrier in the second direction to the portion of the image carrier in the first direction via the heat transfer means, so that a high quality printed image can be maintained. Further, since the surface of the image carrier can be prevented from being damaged or worn, the life of the image carrier can be extended and the running cost can be reduced.

(7) In the image forming apparatus described in (6), the heat transfer means is a rotating body. The examples relating to the present invention correspond to examples 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10.

In this way, the surface of the image bearing member is not scratched, and the heat transfer means can be prevented from being worn, so that the life of the image forming apparatus itself is extended, the reliability is improved, and the running cost is reduced. Can be reduced.

(8) In the image forming apparatus described in (7), the rotating body is a roller. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 5, 6, 7, and 10.

By doing so, the rotating body can be provided with a relatively simple structure. Further, by using a metal roller having a high heat transfer coefficient as the roller, heat can be efficiently exchanged. In addition, in order to improve heat exchange property, it is desirable that the number of rollers is plural.

(9) In the image forming apparatus described in (7) above, the rotating body is composed of a plurality of rollers and a belt that rotates along the rollers. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 6, 7, and 10.

By doing so, it is possible to adhere the image bearing member to the cooled portion in the second direction and the heated portion to the heating portion in the first direction over a wide range. This allows
When the rotating body is a roller, the image carrier can be in close contact only with the contact point with the roller.If the number of rollers is increased to improve heat exchange, the structure becomes complicated and the machine becomes expensive. However, if the rotating body is a belt, it is possible to obtain a close contact with the image carrier over a wide range with a simple structure. If a belt with high rigidity is used, it is possible to apply the force over a wider range.

(10) In the image forming apparatus described in (6), the heat transfer means is composed of a magnet roller and a magnetic fluid. The embodiment relating to the present invention corresponds to the eighth embodiment.

In this way, the contact area between the endless belt and the intermediate body can be increased, so that the heat exchange efficiency can be further increased. Further, since the contact between the image carrier and the heat transfer means can be made soft, it is possible to maintain a high quality printed image without damaging the image carrier. Also,
By extending the life of the image carrier, it is possible to reduce the running cost. However, when the toner on the image carrier is a magnetic substance, the toner image is slightly disturbed by the magnetic force of the magnet holding the magnetic fluid, but if the magnet is rotated at the same speed as the image carrier, the toner image is Disturbance is prevented and good results are obtained.

(11) In the image forming apparatus described in (6), the heat transfer means is provided with an urging means for urging the heat transfer means from the outside so as to be in close contact with the image carrier.
The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 9 and 10.

By doing so, the image carrier and the heat transfer means are surely brought into close contact with each other, and heat exchange can be further improved. (12) In the image forming apparatus described in (11), the urging unit uses a member that does not rub against the image carrier.

The embodiments relating to the present invention are as follows:
0 corresponds. By doing so, it is possible to apply a bias so that the image carrier and the heat transfer means are brought into close contact with each other without damaging the surface of the image carrier, and thus it is possible to maintain a high quality printed image, In addition, the running cost can be reduced by extending the life of the image carrier. Further, since the urging means can be prevented from being worn at the same time, the life of the image forming apparatus itself can be extended, the reliability can be improved, and the running cost can be reduced.

(13) In the image forming apparatus described in (12), the urging means is a rotating body. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 9 and 10.

By doing so, the surface of the image bearing member is not scratched, and wear of the biasing means can be prevented.
The life of the image forming apparatus itself can be extended, reliability can be improved, and running costs can be reduced.

(14) In the image forming apparatus described in (13), the rotating body is a roller. The embodiments relating to the present invention correspond to the embodiments 9 and 10.

By doing so, the rotating body can be provided with a relatively simple structure. Further, by using a metal roller having a high heat transfer coefficient as the roller, heat can be efficiently exchanged. (15) In the image forming apparatus described in (13), the rotating body is composed of a plurality of rollers and a belt that rotates along the rollers.

The tenth embodiment corresponds to the embodiment relating to the present invention. With this configuration, the heat transfer means can be brought into close contact with a portion of the image carrier in the second direction for cooling and a portion of the image carrier in the first direction for heating over a wide range. If a belt with high rigidity is used, it is possible to apply the force over a wider range. Further, when a belt having a surface of the base material belt coated with a resin having low heat conductivity is used, the heat of the image bearing member can be restricted to the biasing means, and the release from the biasing means to the other can be restricted. As a result, the heat of the part in the first direction to be cooled can be efficiently supplied to the part in the second direction to be heated, so that the heat exchange rate can be increased and the power consumption can be saved.

(16) In the image forming apparatus described in (11), the urging means is air pressure. The embodiment relating to the present invention corresponds to the embodiment 12.

By doing so, the heat conducting means can be biased in a non-contact manner. That is, since the biasing of the heat conducting means by the air pressure is non-contact, wear of the heat conducting means is completely eliminated, so that the life can be remarkably extended.
Further, since wear of bearings and the like when a rotating body is used as the urging means is eliminated, a more reliable image forming apparatus can be realized. The air pressure also has the effect of cooling the heat conducting means.

(17) The above (1) to (5) and (1
In the image forming apparatus described in any one of 1) to (16), the urging unit is arranged only at a portion of the image carrier in the second direction.

The embodiments relating to the present invention are as follows:
4, 9, 10, and 12 correspond. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the toner image on the image carrier from being disturbed by the biasing means, and it is possible to output a good print image quality.

(18) In the image forming apparatus described in any of (1) to (17), the means for forming a toner image is development. Examples of the present invention correspond to Examples 1, 3 to 11.

By doing so, a toner image can be directly formed on the image bearing member by the developing device and thermally transferred to the transfer medium. (19) In the image forming apparatus described in (18), the means for forming a toner image is transfer of the toner image from another recording medium.

Embodiments relating to the present invention are described in Embodiments 2-1.
1 corresponds. By doing so, it is possible to form a toner image on the other recording body by the developing device and transfer the toner image transferred to the image carrier onto the transfer medium.

(20) The above (1) to (3) and (5)
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of to (17),
The urging means has a cooling means by a cooling member. The eleventh embodiment corresponds to the embodiment relating to the present invention.

(21) In the image forming apparatus described in (20) above, a heat pipe is used as a cooling member.
The eleventh embodiment corresponds to the embodiment relating to the present invention.

(22) (20) or (21) described above
The image forming apparatus described above has a unit for measuring the temperature of the image carrier and a unit for controlling the cooling amount of the cooling member according to the measured temperature.

The eleventh embodiment corresponds to the embodiment relating to the present invention. According to these (20) to (22), the image bearing member is cooled via the biasing means, so that the cooling member and the image bearing member do not come into direct contact with each other, and the image bearing member is cooled without being worn. it can. By adding cooling means,
Cooling of the image carrier by heat exchange can be assisted, and the temperature of the image carrier can be lowered more reliably. Further, by controlling the cooling means, it is possible to more reliably lower the temperature of the image carrier even if environmental conditions change or the internal conditions change due to heat generation of the image forming apparatus itself.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image bearing member from being worn or scratched, to extend the life of the image bearing member, and to obtain a highly accurate image. The formation can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat exchange unit used in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another heat exchange section used in the image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endless belt, 2 ... Electrostatic image forming part, 3 ... Developing device, 4 ... Heat roller, 5 ... Pressure roller, 6 ... Recording sheet, 7, 7A ... Cleaner, 8 ... Eraser, 10 ... Paper feeding roller, 11 ... Paper discharge roller, 10A, 10C ... Toner image, 10B ... Residual toner image, 12 ... Drum, 13 ... Transfer member, 13A ... Temperature sensor, 14 ... Cooling member, 30, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, Thirty
G, 30H, 30I, 30J ... Heat exchange section, 31, 33A, 33B ... Energizing belt, 32 ... Air pressure, 34 ... Member for energizing energizing belt, 35A, 35B ... Heat transfer roller, 36A, 36B, 36C ... Heat transfer belt, 37 ... Member for urging heat transfer belt, 38 ... Magnetic fluid member, 39 ... Magnet, 40 ... Magnetic fluid, 41 ... Energizing roller, 42A ... Energizing belt.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier comprising an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier by the toner image forming means. A thermal transfer means for thermally transferring onto the medium; a portion in the first direction of the conveying process from the toner image forming means moving to the thermal transfer means in the opposite direction of the image carrier; and a portion from the thermal transfer means to the toner image forming means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an urging unit that applies an urging force without rubbing the image carrier so as to bring it into contact with a portion in the second direction during the conveyance process. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the urging means is a rotating body. 3. An image carrier comprising an endless belt, a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the image carrier, and a toner image formed on the image carrier by the toner image forming means. A thermal transfer means for thermally transferring onto the medium; a portion in the first direction of the conveying process from the toner image forming means moving to the thermal transfer means in the opposite direction of the image carrier; and a portion from the thermal transfer means to the toner image forming means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a heat transfer unit that is interposed between the image carrier and a portion in a second direction in a conveyance process without sliding on the image carrier.