JPH10340017A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the sliding of a fixing film by providing an abrasive member grinding the inside peripheral surface of the fixing film on a heating and fixing device. SOLUTION: The abrasive member 16 provided on the heating and fixing unit 6 as the tensionless film heating system heating and fixing device is supported by an abrasive supporting body 17 so as to slide on the inside peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 without imparting tensile force on the film 12. Consequently, the member 16 grinds the inside peripheral surface of the film 12 in the middle of sliding, so that roughness is reduced. A glass bar or phenol resin filled with glass, etc., which have heat resistance and hardness to a certain degree but have smooth surface are desirable as the member 16 in order to perform uniform grinding without excessively damaging the inside peripheral surface of the film 12. Since the member 16 previously grinds the inside peripheral surface of the film 12 in the middle of sliding and reduces the roughness, a recording paper P is prevented from being wrinkled by large roughness of the film 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus provided with a heat fixing device for heating an unfixed image and fixing the unfixed image on a sheet-like transfer material. In particular, the image fixing device employs a tensionless film system. It relates to a recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of a heat fixing device used in a conventional image recording apparatus, an unfixed image corresponding to given image information is heated and fixed on a sheet-like transfer material. The two supported rollers are pressed against each other across the transfer material carrying the unfixed image and heated,
A heat fixing device 100 that employs a so-called heat roller method for fixing an unfixed image on a transfer material is known and widely used. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the heat fixing device 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the heat fixing device 100 is formed of metal or the like in a cylindrical shape, and comes into contact with an unfixed image bearing surface of a recording paper P which is a sheet-like transfer material carrying an unfixed image. A heating roller 101 and a pressure roller 102 formed in a cylindrical shape having appropriate elasticity and pressed against the heating roller 101 with the recording paper P interposed therebetween are rotatably supported by the shaft.

A halogen heater 103 as an example of a heating element as a heat supply source is supported in a hollow portion of the heating roller 101 supported by the fixing device 100 in parallel with the axis of the heating roller 101. The surface temperature of the heating roller 101 is controlled by the halogen heater 103 receiving heat and generating heat.

On the other hand, a pressure roller 102 pivotally supported by the heat fixing device 100 is pressed against the heating roller 101 by a pressure mechanism (not shown) provided in an image recording apparatus that can utilize the heat fixing device 100. The heating roller 1
A fixing nip N having a sufficient contact area for supplying heat to the recording paper P carrying the unfixed image is formed between the pressure roller 102 and the pressure roller 102.

The pressure roller 102 is provided with a drive mechanism M provided in an image recording apparatus which can utilize the heat fixing device 100.
Is to be driven to rotate counterclockwise,
Thus, the heating roller 101 rotates clockwise following the rotation of the pressure roller 102, and at the time of fixing, the recording paper P carrying the unfixed image is pressed against the heating roller 101 rotating while pressing against each other. The sheet is conveyed while being held by the pressure roller 102.

In the heat fixing device 100 having the above-described configuration, a given image is provided at a transfer nip n formed between the photosensitive drum 104 as an image carrier and the transfer roller 105 as a transfer unit. An unfixed image corresponding to the information is formed on one surface of the recording paper P.

Next, a conveying means (not shown) provided in an image recording apparatus which can utilize the heat fixing device 100,
The recording paper P conveyed from the transfer nip n to the fixing nip N is held between the rollers 101 and 102 rotating at a predetermined peripheral speed while being pressed against each other, and conveyed to the fixing nip N. As a result, the unfixed image is softened and melted by the heat supplied from the halogen heater 103 and the pressure applied from the pressure roller 102, so that one of the recording paper P Had been established on the surface.

However, in a heat fixing device employing a heat roller system, typified by the heat fixing device 100, in order to obtain a fixing nip portion N having a sufficient contact area, the heat nip N must be provided outside the heat roller 101. It is necessary to set the diameter value and the like to a somewhat large value, which increases the heat capacity of the heating roller 101.
It takes a very long time to raise the surface temperature from the initial temperature to a predetermined temperature from the initial temperature (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as warm-up), and when the heat fixing device 100 is not used. Also, since the temperature of the surface of the heating roller 101 needs to be adjusted, there is a problem that the power consumption increases.

Therefore, instead of the heat roller system, the present applicant has formed an endless heat-fixing device in which the time required for the warm-up is shortened and power consumption is reduced. A fixing film to which an unfixed image is fixed on a transfer material is heated by sandwiching a transfer material carrying the unfixed image while pressing the fixing film and the pressure roller, which are provided with various tensions, against each other. Heat fixing devices employing a film system are disclosed in JP-A-63-313182 and JP-A-2-15778. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device 200 as an example of the heat fixing device.

The heating and fixing device 200 includes a ceramic heater 201 as a heating element as a heat supply source, a support 202 for supporting the ceramic heater 201, and two positions substantially parallel to the ceramic heater 201. Each,
Film suspension rollers 203, 20 rotatably supported
4, ceramic heater 201, film winding roller 2
Formed into a cylindrical shape having a heat-resistant and low-heat-capacity fixing film 205 wound with an appropriate tension over 03,204 and an elastic layer of silicone rubber or the like with good releasability. And a pressure roller 206 which is rotatably supported.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ceramic heater 201 of the heat fixing unit 200 has heat resistance, insulation,
On one surface of a substrate 207 made of ceramics typified by alumina or the like having good thermal conductivity, an Ag
/ Pd (silver palladium) or the like as a main component, a heating resistor 208 serving as a heating means is applied in the normal direction of the paper of FIG. 6 by screen printing or the like, and then is applied for insulation and protection. This is a so-called low-heat-capacity linear heating element which is configured to cover the protective layer 209 made of glass or the like.
FIG. 7 is a partially transparent perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the ceramic heater 201.

As shown in FIG. 6, a temperature detecting element 210 for detecting a temperature is provided on the other surface of the ceramic heater 201 so that the heat fixing device 200 can be used. A temperature control mechanism (not shown) provided in the image recording apparatus controls the amount of electricity supplied to the heating resistor 208 based on the temperature value detected by the temperature detection element 210, and thereby the surface of the pressure roller 206 is controlled. Temperature control such as temperature is planned.

In the heat fixing device 200 having the above-described configuration and the like, the pressure roller 206 is driven to rotate by a driving mechanism M1 provided in an image recording apparatus that can utilize the heat fixing device 200, thereby fixing the image. The film 205 is slid in the direction of the arrow V on the protective layer 209 of the ceramic heater 201 following the rotation of the pressure roller 206, or is pressed and supported by the film winding roller 203 with the fixing film 205 interposed therebetween. Fixing film 20 by driving roller M2
5 is slidably driven, so that the pressure roller 206
The fixing film 205 rotates counterclockwise following the sliding of the fixing film 205.

Alternatively, as the heat fixing device 200,
One of the film winding rollers 203 and 204 also serves as a sliding drive mechanism for the fixing film 205.
Alternatively, the fixing roller 205 is slidably driven by a film driving roller (not shown) which is pressed and supported by the film winding roller 203 with the fixing film 205 interposed therebetween, so that the pressing roller 206 There is known a configuration in which the motor rotates counterclockwise following sliding.

Therefore, in the heating and fixing device 200, the ceramic heater 201 having a reduced heat capacity,
Since the fixing film 205 is configured to have heat resistance and low heat capacity, the fixing film 205
Nip N formed between the pressure roller 206 and the pressure roller 206
The temperature can be set efficiently and promptly, so that energy consumption of power consumption and shortening of warm-up can be achieved, and excessive temperature rise such as the internal temperature of the heat fixing device 200 can be prevented. Advantages such as suppression can be obtained.

However, in a heat fixing device using an endless film system typified by the heat fixing device 200, the fixing film 205 is slid at a predetermined sliding speed to the arrow shown in FIG. In addition, the fixing film 205 receives a strong force in the normal direction of the paper surface, and thus, may slide along the normal direction of the paper surface during sliding.
There is a problem that a complicated mechanism is required to prevent this deviation.

Further, in the heat fixing device using the endless film system, the fixing film 205 is made up of the ceramic heater 201 and the film suspension rollers 203 and 2.
In order to hang the fixing film 205 with a suitable tension, the sliding resistance generated between the protective layer 209 constituting the ceramic heater 201 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 205 during sliding of the fixing film 205 is reduced. Has to be reduced by, for example, coating on the protective layer 209.

Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the endless fixing film during sliding, and it is not necessary to reduce the sliding resistance between one surface of the ceramic heater and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film. As a fixing device, the present applicant, instead of the endless film type, heats the endless fixing film formed in an endless shape and a pressure roller by pressing them against each other with a transfer material carrying an unfixed image therebetween. By applying a so-called tensionless film type fixing device for fixing an unfixed image to a transfer material, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 4-44075 to 44083 and
These are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. -204980-204984. Note that members and the like having the same functions and the like as the members and the like of the heat fixing device 200 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 5 or FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the heating and fixing unit 300 includes a ceramic heater 20 serving as a heat source as a heat supply source.
1, a support 202 for supporting the ceramic heater 201, and an endless fixing film slidable on one surface of the ceramic heater 201 and wound around the support 202 without tension. A pressure roller 206 is formed in a column shape having an elastic layer of silicone rubber or the like with good releasability, and is rotatably supported by a shaft.

The fixing film 301 of the heat fixing device 300 generally has an elastic layer made of a heat-resistant rubber typified by silicone rubber or fluorine rubber, An intermediate layer mainly composed of a mixture of rubber and fluororesin is used for bonding layers, and a release layer mainly composed of fluororesin is laminated in this order.

Therefore, in the heat fixing device 300, since the fixing film 301 is wound around the support 202 without tension, the fixing film 30
1 is a protective layer 209 constituting the ceramic heater 201
(See FIG. 7). Since there is no tension over most of the area except for the area in sliding contact with the fixing film 201 of FIG. 6, the degree of deviation of the film during sliding can be reduced as compared with the fixing film 201 of FIG. Further, by providing a flange (not shown) or the like for receiving the side portion of the fixing film 301 in the heat fixing device 300 or the like, it was possible to easily prevent the film from shifting during sliding.

[0023]

In recent years, there has been a demand for speeding up of the fixing process. In order to respond to this demand, the present applicant has provided a base layer constituting the fixing film 301 with:
By dispersing the heat conductive filler as a filler having an effect of lowering the thermal resistance and reducing the thermal resistance of the fixing film 301, it is possible to increase the thermal efficiency without increasing the size and complexity of the apparatus. Heat fixing device, and
An image recording device utilizing this is proposed.

The configuration of the heat fixing device that can be used in the image recording apparatus proposed by the present applicant is the same as the configuration of the heat fixing device 300, and therefore the description is omitted in place of FIG.

However, in the heat fixing device proposed by the present applicant, in order to speed up the fixing process,
Since it is necessary to increase the filling amount of the heat conductive filler dispersed in the base layer, the grain of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 301 becomes coarse. There is a fear that the heater 201 may be rubbed against the protective layer 209 of the heater 201 to be worn.

In particular, when the fixing film slides for a long period of time, the generated abrasion powder accumulates in the gap between the fixing film 301 and the ceramic heater 201, and the fixing film 301 has a predetermined sliding speed. In this case, there is a possibility that the sliding drive may be hindered, and furthermore, as the accumulation state of the abrasion powder progresses, the fixing film 301 may not be able to slide.

In general, the distribution of the conveying speed of each part of the recording paper P at the time of fixing has a variation that does not hinder the fixing, depending on the sheet passing position in the fixing nip N. .

However, in the heat fixing device proposed by the present applicant, since the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 301 has a large roughness, each portion of the recording paper P is conveyed in the fixing nip portion N. The variation in the distribution of the speed becomes remarkable, so that wrinkles are formed on the recording paper P as the paper passes through the fixing nip portion N, and particularly, the recording paper P having low rigidity or an image is already formed on one surface. As a result, it is considered that the recording paper P that has been dehumidified and deformed due to the formation of the paper has a remarkable formation of wrinkles due to the passage of the fixing nip N.

Therefore, a grease or the like for reducing frictional resistance is applied between the fixing film 301 and the protective layer 209, and the fixing film 301 is smoothly slid so that the fixing film 301 and the protective layer 209 are slid. 209 and the amount of abrasion powder generated by sliding contact with the recording paper P
Although a method of preventing the formation of wrinkles on the ceramic heater 201 can be considered, since the fixing film 301 is pressed against the ceramic heater 201 by the pressing roller 206, grease is applied between the fixing film 301 and the ceramic heater 201. It is considered that the recording paper P leaks out from the gap, and thus the recording paper P is soiled.

Further, by controlling the manufacturing conditions of the fixing film 301 and adjusting the roughness of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 301, the amount of abrasion powder generated by the sliding contact between the fixing film 301 and the protective layer 209 is reduced. Although it is conceivable to employ a method for suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles and preventing the formation of wrinkles on the recording paper P, the particle diameter of the heat conductive filler generally varies, which is difficult.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to an image recording apparatus provided with a heat fixing device employing a tensionless film system, wherein the fixing is performed by abrasion powder generated from a fixing film having a base layer in which a heat conductive film is dispersed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus capable of preventing hindrance of sliding of a film and formation of wrinkles on a sheet-like transfer material due to high roughness of a fixing film.

[0032]

According to the present invention, an object of the present invention is to provide a heating element provided on one surface with a heating means for generating heat when energized, a support for supporting the heating element, An endless fixing film slidable with respect to the other surface of the heating element and wound on the support without tension.
A heat-fixing device having a pressure roller that presses the fixing film to one surface of the heat-generating means with a sheet-shaped transfer material formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape and carrying an unfixed image interposed therebetween is provided. An image recording apparatus, wherein a heat conductive filler as a filler for lowering thermal resistance is dispersed in a base layer constituting the fixing film, wherein the heat fixing device is used for the fixing film. This is achieved by the first invention in which a polishing member for polishing the inner peripheral surface is provided.

[0033] Also, a second object of the present invention is that the polishing member is provided in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film from the side opposite to the sliding direction of the fixing film. It is also achieved by the invention.

[0034] Further, the above object is achieved by the above-mentioned first invention or the second invention, wherein the accommodating means for accommodating polishing powder generated by the polishing member polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film is heated and fixed. The present invention is also achieved by the third invention provided in the device.

The object of the present invention is to provide a polishing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the material of the polishing member is a phenol resin filled with glass. Is also achieved.

Further, the above object is achieved by the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heat conductive filler is made of ceramics, BN, Al ₂ O ₃ ,
This is also achieved by the fifth invention, which is a powder made of any one of MgO, ZnO ₂ and SiN ₄ .

That is, in the first invention, the polishing member polishes the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film during sliding to reduce the roughness.

Further, in the second invention, the polishing member abuts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film being slid from the side opposite to the sliding direction, thereby polishing the inner peripheral surface. To further reduce the roughness.

Further, in the third aspect, the polishing powder generated by polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film by the polishing member is stored in the storage means.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the polishing member is formed of a glass-filled phenol resin having heat resistance and appropriate hardness.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the base layer constituting the fixing film includes ceramics having heat resistance and good thermal conductivity, BN, Al ₂ O ₃ , MgO, ZnO.
₂ , one of SiN ₄ is dispersed.

[0042]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, a laser printer (hereinafter abbreviated as a printer) 1 as an example suitable for showing an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the printer 1.

The printer 1 is an image recording apparatus that forms an image according to image information based on an electrophotographic process.

The printer 1 includes a paper feed unit 2 capable of storing a predetermined number of recording sheets P, which are sheet-shaped transfer materials, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter, referred to as an image carrier) rotatably supported by a shaft. , Photosensitive drum.) 3 and photosensitive drum 3
To an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the
A developing device 4 as a developing means for applying and developing a developer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a toner); and a developer image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3 as an unfixed image on a recording paper P.
Transfer Roller 5 as Transfer Means for Transferring and Recording on Top
And an unfixed image formed in accordance with image information is heated by a tensionless type film heating method so that the recording paper P
And a heat fixing device 6 as a heat fixing device for fixing the image on the sheet.

In the printer 1, copying is performed in accordance with image information based on the following process.

First, on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3 uniformly charged at a predetermined polarity and potential by a charging roller 7 serving as a charging means provided in the printer 1 according to given image information. By scanning and exposing the laser light La modulated and emitted from the laser beam scanner 8, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3.

Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is developed into a developer image by applying toner from the developing device 4, and then is developed.
The developer image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3 reaches the transfer nip n formed between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer roller 5 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3.

On the other hand, the recording paper P on which an unfixed image corresponding to the image information is formed is separated one by one from the paper supply unit 2 by a paper supply roller 9 provided in the printer 1 and then transferred to a transfer nip unit. n, the recording paper P is charged by the transfer roller 5 with a polarity opposite to that of the toner, so that the developer image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 3 becomes the unfixed image. Transcribed and recorded.

Therefore, the recording paper P carrying the unfixed image
Is transferred from the transfer nip n to the heat fixing device 6 by the transfer guide 10 provided in the printer 1 and heated by the fixing nip N, whereby the unfixed image is softened and melted. In the color copying, the color is further mixed, the color is formed as desired, and the color is fixed. Then, the color is copied to the outside of the printer 1 via the sheet path Ru, and is given to the recording paper P. When the copying process according to the image information is completed,
Photosensitive drum 3 on which unfixed image is recorded on recording paper P
The cleaning device 11 removes the residual developer and the like, and is prepared for the next image formation on the recording paper P.

Next, the heat fixing unit 6 provided in the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that members having the same functions as those of the members and the like of the heat fixing device 300 (see FIG. 8) described in the related art will be described.
The description is omitted by giving the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The heating and fixing unit 6 includes a ceramic heater 201 as a heating element as a heat supply source, a support 202 for supporting the ceramic heater 201, and a slideable member on one surface of the ceramic heater 201. Along with
An endless fixing film 12 wound around a support 202 without tension, a polishing member 16 for polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12, and a polishing support 17 for supporting the polishing member.
And a pressure roller 20 formed in a columnar shape having an elastic layer of silicone rubber or the like with good releasability and rotatably supported by a shaft.
6.

The support 202 of the heat fixing unit 6
Supports the ceramic heater 201 and also serves as a guide for the fixing film 12 and a stay as a reinforcing member for the heat fixing device 6.
High heat-resistant resins such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PAI (polyamide imide), PI (polyimide), PEEK (polyteretherketone), and liquid crystal polymer, and these resins, ceramics, metals, glass, etc. And the like.

In the present embodiment, the heating resistor 203 constituting the ceramic heater 201 of the heat fixing device 6 has a thickness of about 10 μm along the vertical direction of FIG.
m, the width along the left-right direction of the paper surface is set to 1 to 3 mm, and one surface of the ceramic heater 201 is provided with a temperature detecting element 210 for detecting a temperature, for example, a contact-type thermistor temperature detecting sensor or the like. Accordingly, a temperature control mechanism (not shown) provided in the printer 1 is provided with a heating resistor 2 based on the temperature value detected by the temperature detecting element 210.
08, the pressure roller 20 is controlled.
6, the surface temperature and the like are controlled.

The pressure roller 20 of the heat fixing device 6
Numeral 6 is formed by coating an outer peripheral surface of a core metal formed in a columnar shape with a metal such as aluminum or SUS with an elastic layer having good releasability represented by silicone rubber or the like. At one end of the gold, a driving mechanism M1 for rotating the pressure roller 206 at a predetermined peripheral speed is provided.

The fixing film 1 of the heat fixing device 6
2, a base layer 13 formed endlessly as shown in FIG.
On the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate layer 14, which is mainly composed of a mixture of a fluororubber and a fluororesin, and adheres to each other, and a release layer 15, which is mainly composed of a fluororesin, is laminated in this order. I have. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the fixing film 12.

Base layer 13 constituting fixing film 12
In the present embodiment, the thermal resistance of the polyimide resin
MgO as heat conductive filler with degrading properties
Are dispersed at a blending ratio of 20 wt%.
You.

In this embodiment, the base layer 13
Is made of polyimide resin,
The material of No. 3 is not limited to this, and other effective materials include metals such as nickel, iron, SUS, and aluminum alloy.

Various powders are known as the heat conductive filler dispersed in the base layer 13. However, in order to improve the heat resistance and the heat conductivity of the fixing film 12, for example,
MgO, ceramics, BN, Al ₂ O ₃ , ZnO ₂ , and SiN ₄ employed in the present embodiment are preferable.

The intermediate layer 1 constituting the fixing film 12
No. 4, carbon for adjusting the surface resistance, for example, Ketjen Black 600JD (registered trademark) is dispersed at a blending ratio of 2.0 wt% in a thin film mainly containing a mixture of a fluororubber and a fluororesin. Thus, the surface resistance is in the order of 10E4Ω / □.

Release layer 1 constituting fixing film 12
No. 5 has a structure in which carbon for adjusting the surface resistance is dispersed at a blending ratio of 1.0 wt% in a thin film containing a fluororesin as a main component, so that the surface resistance is 10E1.
The range is 0 to 10E12Ω / □.

The total thickness of the fixing film 12 having the above-mentioned structure and the like is preferably in the range of 20 μm to 60 μm in order to obtain good heat resistance, releasability, strength, durability and the like.

In the present embodiment, the fixing film has a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated, but may have a single-layer structure.

The polishing member 16 of the heat fixing device 6
Are supported by a polishing support 17 so as to slidably contact the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 without applying tension to the fixing film 12. The peripheral surface is polished to reduce the roughness.

In order to uniformly polish the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 without excessively damaging the polishing member 16, a glass rod having heat resistance and a certain degree of hardness but having a smooth surface, or And a phenol resin filled with glass.

Therefore, in the heat fixing device 6 having the above-described configuration, the roughness Rz of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 is set to 5
μm, the continuous passage of a plurality of recording papers P was performed.
As a result, the inner peripheral surface of No. 2 was polished to reduce the roughness to 2 μm.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the polishing member 16 polishes the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 which is being slid in advance to reduce the roughness, the fixing member 12 The formation of wrinkles on the recording paper P due to the large roughness of the fixing film 12 can be prevented, and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 can be prevented from sliding between the fixing film 12 and the protective layer 209 during sliding. The sliding of the fixing film 12 can be stabilized without being worn and accumulating abrasion powder.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a heat fixing device 18 which is a preferred example of a heat fixing device which can be used in an image management apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that members and the like having the same functions as the members and the like of the heat fixing unit 6 described in the first embodiment will not be described in place of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The heating and fixing unit 18 is provided with the fixing film 12.
The polishing member 16 for polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12
Is supported on the surface of the polishing support 17 so as to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 from the side opposite to the sliding direction of the fixing film 12, and is generated from the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 by polishing the polishing member 16. An accommodating portion 19 as accommodating means for accommodating the dropped abrasive powder Po is provided on the same surface as the surface of the polishing support 17 on which the polishing member 16 is supported.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the housing 19 is
Since the polishing powder Po generated from the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 12 by the polishing of the polishing member 16 is stored, it is possible to prevent the generated polishing powder from staining the inside of the heat fixing device 18 and adhering to the recording paper P. The advantage that can be obtained.

[0071]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the polishing member polishes the inner peripheral surface of the sliding fixing film to reduce the roughness. Therefore, the formation of wrinkles on the sheet-like transfer material due to the large roughness of the fixing film can be suppressed, and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film slides while the fixing film and one of the heating elements are in contact with each other. The sliding of the fixing film can be stabilized without being worn in a gap formed between the fixing film and the surface and accumulating abrasion powder.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the polishing member is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film during sliding from the side opposite to the sliding direction, whereby the fixing film is fixed. The inner peripheral surface of the fixing film is polished to further reduce the roughness, so that the formation of wrinkles on the sheet-like transfer material due to the large roughness of the fixing film can be effectively prevented, and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film can be effectively prevented. The surface is worn in a gap formed between the fixing film and one surface of the heating element during sliding, so that the sliding of the fixing film can be more stabilized without accumulating abrasion powder. Can be achieved.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application,
Since the polishing powder generated by polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film by the polishing member is stored in the storage unit, the generated polishing powder stains the inside of the heat fixing device or forms a sheet having an unfixed image. It can be prevented from adhering to the transfer material.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the polishing member is formed of a phenol resin filled with glass having heat resistance and appropriate hardness. By smooth molding, the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film can be prevented from being excessively polished, and the polishing member is softened and deformed by rapid heating of the heating body, or stable without being melted. It is possible to provide a heat fixing device and an image recording device including the same.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application,
Ceramics having heat resistance and good thermal conductivity, BN, Al ₂ O ₃ , MgO,
Since either ZnO ₂ or SiN ₄ is dispersed,
It is possible to provide a fixing film having durability and quick response to rapid heating of the heating element.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device used in the image forming apparatus of FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a fixing film included in the heat fixing device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device used in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device employing a heat roller system, which can be used in a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device employing an endless film system, which can be used in a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a partially transparent perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a heating element included in the heat fixing device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat fixing device employing a tensionless film system, which can be used in a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer (image recording device) 6 Heat fixing device (heat fixing device) 12 Fixing film 13 Base layer 14 Intermediate layer 15 Release layer 16 Polishing member 17 Polish support 18 Heat fixing device (heat fixing device) 19 Housing part (housing means) 100 heat fixing device (heating fixing device) 101 heating roller 102 pressure roller 103 halogen heater 200 heat fixing device (heating fixing device) 201 ceramic heater (heating body) 202 support 205 fixing film 206 pressure roller 208 heat generating resistor (Heating means) 209 Protective layer 300 Heat fixing device (Heating fixing device) 301 Fixing film N Fixing nip P Recording paper (sheet-like transfer material)

Claims (5)

[Claims] A heating element provided on one surface with a heating means for generating heat by receiving an electric current, a support for supporting the heating element, and a sliding member slidably with respect to the other surface of the heating element. Along with the endless fixing film wound with no tension on the support, and the fixing film sandwiching a sheet-like transfer material formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape and carrying an unfixed image, What is claimed is: 1. An image recording apparatus comprising: a heat fixing device having a pressure roller for pressing one surface of a heat generating means, wherein a heat acting as a filler for reducing heat resistance is provided on a base layer constituting the fixing film. An image recording apparatus in which a conductive filler is dispersed, wherein the heat fixing device includes a polishing member for polishing an inner peripheral surface of the fixing film. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polishing member is provided in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the fixing film from a side opposite to a sliding direction of the fixing film. 3. The heating and fixing device according to claim 1, wherein a storage means for storing polishing powder generated by the polishing member polishing the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film is provided in the heat fixing device. The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the material of the polishing member is a phenol resin filled with glass. 5. The heat conductive filler is made of ceramics, BN,
Al ₂ O _3, MgO, image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a powder consisting of any one of ZnO _2, SiN _4.