WO2017002534A1 - Fixing device and image forming device provided with same - Google Patents

Fixing device and image forming device provided with same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017002534A1
WO2017002534A1 PCT/JP2016/066610 JP2016066610W WO2017002534A1 WO 2017002534 A1 WO2017002534 A1 WO 2017002534A1 JP 2016066610 W JP2016066610 W JP 2016066610W WO 2017002534 A1 WO2017002534 A1 WO 2017002534A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotating body
fixing
pressing force
fixing belt
temperature
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/066610
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
▲高▼橋　聡
裕徳 高橋
Original Assignee
京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 filed Critical 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社
Publication of WO2017002534A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017002534A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fixing device that performs a fixing process on a sheet and an image forming apparatus including the same.
  • Patent Document 1 the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known as a fixing device that performs a fixing process on a sheet.
  • the fixing device includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller. When the pressure roller is pressed against the fixing roller, a fixing nip portion is formed between them. The fixing roller and the pressure roller are rotated by a driving mechanism. When the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion, a fixing process is performed on the toner image formed on the sheet.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes a fixing device in which a torque required for a drive unit is reduced during a temperature rising time for heating a rotating body, and the fixing device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
  • a fixing device includes a housing, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature in the housing, a first rotating body that is disposed and rotated in the housing, and is disposed in the housing. A second rotating body that is rotated and pressed by the first rotating body to form a fixing nip portion through which a sheet passes, and the first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotated.
  • a driving unit that generates a driving force to be heated, a heating unit that heats the first rotating body, a pressing force adjusting mechanism that adjusts a pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body, the driving unit,
  • a control unit that controls the heating unit and the pressing force adjusting mechanism, and the control unit includes a controller that controls the inside of the housing by the temperature detection unit before starting the rotation of the first rotating body and the second rotating body. Detect the temperature and the temperature is When the first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotated while the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled and the pressing force is set to the first pressing force.
  • the first rotating body is heated by a heating unit, and when the temperature becomes higher than the threshold value with the heating, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled so that the pressing force is larger than the first pressing force.
  • the second pressing force is set.
  • the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
  • the present invention may be an image forming apparatus having the fixing device having the above-described configuration and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet.
  • the present invention it is possible to provide a fixing device in which the torque required for the drive unit is reduced during the temperature raising time for raising the temperature of the rotating body, and an image forming apparatus including the same.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the 1st rotary body and 2nd rotary body which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the 1st rotating body and the 2nd rotating body concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the 1st rotary body and 2nd rotary body which concern on one Embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pressure mechanism of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure state of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure state of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a reduced pressure state.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a reduced pressure state.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a printer 100 (image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the printer 100 as the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called monochrome printer.
  • the image forming apparatus is a color printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine having these functions, or a toner image.
  • Other devices for forming the sheet may be used.
  • the terms used in the following description such as “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right”, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the description.
  • the printer 100 includes a housing 101 that houses various apparatuses for forming an image on the sheet S.
  • the housing 101 includes an upper wall 102 that defines the upper surface of the housing 101, a bottom wall 103 that defines the bottom surface of the housing 101, a main body rear wall 105 between the upper wall 102 and the bottom wall 103, and a rear body. And a main body front wall 104 positioned in front of the wall 105.
  • the housing 101 includes a main body internal space 107 in which various devices are arranged.
  • a sheet conveyance path PP through which the sheet S is conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction is extended in the main body internal space 107 of the casing 101.
  • a paper discharge unit 102A is disposed at the center of the upper wall 102.
  • the paper discharge unit 102 ⁇ / b> A includes an inclined surface that is inclined downward from the front portion to the rear portion of the upper wall 102.
  • the sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming unit 120 described later is discharged to the paper discharge unit 102A.
  • a manual feed tray 104 ⁇ / b> A is disposed at the center in the vertical direction of the main body front wall 104.
  • the manual feed tray 104A can be turned up and down with the lower end as a fulcrum (arrow DT in FIG. 1).
  • a printer 100 includes a paper feed cassette 110, a pickup roller 112, a first paper feed roller 113, a second paper feed roller 114, a transport roller 115, a registration roller pair 116, and an image.
  • a forming unit 120 and a fixing device 5 are provided.
  • the sheet feeding cassette 110 accommodates sheets S therein.
  • the paper feed cassette 110 includes a lift plate 111.
  • the lift plate 111 is inclined so as to push up the leading edge of the sheet S.
  • the paper feed cassette 110 can be pulled forward with respect to the housing 101.
  • the pickup roller 112 is disposed on the leading edge of the sheet S pushed up by the lift plate 111. When the pickup roller 112 rotates, the sheet S is pulled out from the sheet feeding cassette 110.
  • the first paper feed roller 113 is disposed downstream of the pickup roller 112 and sends the sheet S further downstream.
  • the second paper feed roller 114 pulls the sheet S on the manual feed tray 104 ⁇ / b> A into the housing 101.
  • the conveyance roller 115 is disposed downstream (hereinafter, also simply referred to as downstream) of the first paper supply roller 113 and the second paper supply roller 114 in the sheet conveyance direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as conveyance direction).
  • the transport roller 115 transports the sheet S sent out by the first paper feed roller 113 and the second paper feed roller 114 further downstream.
  • the registration roller pair 116 has a function of correcting the oblique conveyance of the sheet S. Thereby, the position of the image formed on the sheet S is adjusted.
  • the registration roller pair 116 supplies the sheet S to the image forming unit 120 in accordance with the timing of image formation by the image forming unit 120.
  • the image forming unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 121, a charger 122, an exposure device 123, a developing device 20, a toner container 30, a transfer roller 126, and a cleaning device 127.
  • the photosensitive drum 121 has a cylindrical shape.
  • the photosensitive drum 121 has a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and carries a toner image (developer image) corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the surface.
  • the charger 122 is applied with a predetermined voltage and charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 substantially uniformly.
  • the exposure device 123 irradiates the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 charged by the charger 122 with laser light.
  • the laser light is emitted in accordance with image data output from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer connected to the printer 100 so as to be communicable.
  • an external device such as a personal computer connected to the printer 100 so as to be communicable.
  • an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121.
  • the developing device 20 supplies toner to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed.
  • the toner container 30 supplies toner to the developing device 20.
  • the toner container 30 is detachably disposed with respect to the developing device 20 in the housing 101.
  • the transfer roller 126 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 121 so as to face the photosensitive drum 121 with the sheet conveyance path PP interposed therebetween.
  • the transfer roller 126 forms a transfer nip portion with the photosensitive drum 121 and transfers the toner image onto the sheet S.
  • the cleaning device 127 removes the toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 after the toner image is transferred to the sheet S.
  • the fixing device 5 is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 120 in the transport direction, and fixes the toner image on the sheet S. Details of the fixing device 5 will be described later.
  • the printer 100 further includes a transport roller pair 133 disposed downstream of the fixing device 5 and a discharge roller pair 134 disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 133.
  • the sheet S is conveyed upward by the conveyance roller pair 133 and is finally discharged from the housing 101 by the discharge roller pair 134.
  • the sheets S discharged from the housing 101 are stacked on the paper discharge unit 102A.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 according to this embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51.
  • the fixing device 5 includes a fixing housing 5H (housing), a fixing belt 520 (first rotating body), a nip plate 521, a pressure roller 51 (second rotating body), and a fixing discharge.
  • a roller pair 55, a thermosensor 5S (temperature detection unit), and a control unit 60 are provided.
  • the fixing housing 5H functions as a housing that supports each member of the fixing device 5.
  • the fixing housing 5H has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the sheet S is carried into the fixing housing 5H from the front.
  • the fixing belt 520 is an endless belt that is disposed in the fixing housing 5H and rotated.
  • the fixing belt 520 is made of a thin SUS material. Note that caps (not shown) are inserted at both ends of the fixing belt 520 in the axial direction. The cap maintains the fixing belt 520 in a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the fixing belt 520 is heated by a halogen heater 522 described later.
  • the nip plate 521 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520 and has a function of pressing the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51.
  • the nip plate 521 is made of LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) resin.
  • the nip plate 521 includes a facing surface 521S.
  • the facing surface 521 ⁇ / b> S is a surface of the nip plate 521 that faces the pressure roller 51 and has a curved shape along the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the nip plate 521B is thicker than the nip plate upstream portion 521A of the nip plate 521.
  • the pressure roller 51 is disposed in the fixing housing 5H and has a roller shape.
  • the pressure roller 51 is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H.
  • the pressure roller 51 is rotated to form a fixing nip portion N (FIG. 3) through which the sheet passes with the fixing belt 520.
  • the pressure roller 51 includes a sponge layer on a metal substrate, and a PFA (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube is disposed on the surface of the sponge layer.
  • the fixing discharge roller pair 55 carries out the sheet S that has passed through the fixing nip portion N to the outside of the fixing housing 5H.
  • the thermosensor 5S is a non-contact temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the fixing housing 5H. In the present embodiment, the thermosensor 5S detects the surface temperature of the fixing belt 520.
  • the control unit 60 controls the operation of each member in the fixing device 5.
  • the control unit 60 controls the halogen heater 522, the first motor M1, and the second motor M2 described later.
  • the fixing device 5 includes a halogen heater 522 (heating unit), a stay 523, a reflecting plate 524, a sliding sheet 525, and a first motor M1 (FIG. 3) ( Drive unit).
  • the halogen heater 522 is disposed on the inner periphery of the fixing belt 520 and heats the fixing belt 520.
  • the halogen heater 522 is supported by the stay 523.
  • the stay 523 extends in the axial direction in the rotation of the fixing belt 520 inside the cylinder of the fixing belt 520.
  • the stay 523 is formed by welding a plurality of sheet metal members. Both ends of the stay 523 are supported by a swing holder 710 of the pressurizing mechanism 7 described later.
  • the reflection plate 524 is a member made of bright aluminum and is disposed so as to extend in the axial direction of the fixing belt 520.
  • the reflector 524 is positioned between the halogen heater 522 and the stay 523 and is fixedly supported by the stay 523.
  • the reflector 524 reflects the heat of the halogen heater 522 and irradiates the fixing belt 520.
  • the sliding sheet 525 is a tubular member fitted around the nip plate 521.
  • the sliding sheet 525 is made of a fluororesin such as PFA.
  • the sliding sheet 525 is impregnated with oil.
  • the sliding sheet 525 promotes the rotation of the fixing belt 520 pressed by the nip plate 521.
  • the first motor M1 (FIG. 3) is a motor connected to the rotation shaft 511 (FIG. 4) of the pressure roller 51.
  • the first motor M1 generates a driving force that rotates the pressure roller 51.
  • the pressure roller 51 is rotated in the direction of arrow D31 in FIG.
  • the first motor M1 is controlled by the control unit 60.
  • the fixing belt 520 that contacts the pressure roller 51 is driven by the pressure roller 51 and rotates in the direction of the arrow D32 in FIG.
  • the first motor M ⁇ b> 1 generates a driving force that rotates the photosensitive drum 121 (third rotating body) and the discharge roller pair 134 of the image forming unit 120. That is, the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134 are members different from the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 of the fixing device 5 and are rotating bodies that are rotated by the first motor M1.
  • FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the pressurizing mechanism 7.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the pressure mechanism 7.
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a part of the pressurizing mechanism 7.
  • FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of a part of the pressurizing mechanism 7.
  • the fixing device 5 includes a pressure mechanism 7 (pressing force adjusting mechanism).
  • the pressure mechanism 7 adjusts the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51. As a result, the nip pressure of the fixing nip portion N is adjusted.
  • the pressure mechanism 7 is mounted on the fixing housing 5H (FIG. 2).
  • the pressurizing mechanism 7 includes a swing holder 710, a left fulcrum part 711, a right fulcrum part 712, a drive shaft 713, a pair of cams 714 (FIG. 8B), and a pair.
  • the support member 715, a pair of support shafts 716, and a pair of rollers 717 are provided.
  • the rocking holder 710 is a frame made of sheet metal disposed above the fixing belt 520.
  • the swing holder 710 is supported by the fixing housing 5H so as to be swingable.
  • the swing holder 710 supports the nip plate 521, the halogen heater 522, the stay 523, the reflection plate 524, and the sliding sheet 525 disposed on the inner periphery of the fixing belt 520.
  • the swing holder 710 includes a pair of fulcrum locking portions 710A, a pair of pressure portions 710B, and a pair of openings 710C.
  • the fulcrum locking portion 710 ⁇ / b> A is an arc-shaped cutout portion formed on the left and right side walls of the swing holder 710. In FIG.
  • a left fulcrum part 711 and a right fulcrum part 712 are inserted through the pair of fulcrum locking parts 710A, respectively.
  • the left fulcrum part 711 and the right fulcrum part 712 are pivotally supported by the fixing housing 5H.
  • the left fulcrum part 711 and the right fulcrum part 712 serve as fulcrum parts in the swing of the swing holder 710.
  • the pair of pressurizing parts 710 ⁇ / b> B project forward from the left and right ends of the swing holder 710.
  • the pressing portion 710B moves up and down, so that the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is adjusted.
  • a hole (not shown) is formed in the pressurizing unit 710B.
  • a pulling shaft 720 described later is inserted through the hole.
  • the opening 710 ⁇ / b> C is an opening that is opened in the pair of side plates of the swing holder 710. In FIG. 6B, only one opening 710C of the pair of openings 710C appears. As shown in FIG. 7, a stay 523 is fitted into the opening 710C.
  • the drive shaft 713 is a shaft disposed in front of the pressure roller 51 so as to extend in the left-right direction.
  • the drive shaft 713 is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H.
  • the cam 714 is fixed to both ends of the drive shaft 713.
  • the cam 714 has a shape with different radii along the circumferential direction.
  • the support member 715 is disposed at both ends of the drive shaft 713.
  • the support member 715 includes a pair of wall portions that are spaced apart in the left-right direction and a connecting portion that connects the pair of wall portions upward.
  • the support member 715 is movable up and down with respect to the drive shaft 713.
  • the aforementioned cam 714 is disposed between the pair of wall portions of the support member 715.
  • the support member 715 includes a pair of slits 715H and a hole 715S.
  • the ends of the drive shaft 713 are inserted through the pair of slits 715H.
  • a pulling shaft 720 described later is inserted through the hole 715S.
  • a bearing 713J is disposed on the inner side of the support member 715 in the left-right direction. The bearing 713J is supported by the fixing housing 5H, and rotatably supports the drive shaft 713.
  • the support shaft 716 is a shaft supported by the lower ends of the pair of wall portions of the support member 715.
  • the roller 717 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 716.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 7 includes an actuator 718 (FIG. 8B), an input gear 719, a PI sensor 7S, a transmission mechanism G1 (FIG. 7), and a second motor M2 (FIG. 7).
  • the actuator 718 is a semicircular plate-like member fixed to the D-axis portion 713A of the drive shaft 713 that penetrates the left support member 715.
  • the actuator 718 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 713.
  • the input gear 719 is a rotation gear fixed to the D shaft portion 713A that penetrates the actuator 718.
  • the input gear 719 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 713.
  • the PI sensor 7S is fixed to the fixing housing 5H so as to face the actuator 718.
  • the PI sensor 7S includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (not shown).
  • the PI sensor 7S detects the rotation of the actuator 718.
  • the rotational position of the cam 714 fixed to the drive shaft 713 is detected by the timing at which the semicircular actuator 718 blocks the detection light of the PI sensor 7S.
  • the second motor M2 is a motor fixed to the fixing housing 5H.
  • the second motor M ⁇ b> 2 generates a driving force that swings the swing holder 710.
  • the second motor M2 includes an output shaft 750 (FIG. 7).
  • the rotation of the second motor M2 is controlled by the control unit 60 (FIG. 7).
  • the transmission mechanism G1 is a plurality of gears that transmit driving force from the second motor M2 to the input gear 719 (FIG. 7).
  • the transmission mechanism G1 includes first to fourth gears 751 to 754.
  • the first gear 751 is connected to the output shaft 750.
  • the fourth gear 754 is connected to the input gear 719.
  • the pressurizing mechanism 7 includes a pair of traction shafts 720, a pair of springs 721, and a pair of screws 722 (FIG. 8B).
  • the traction shaft 720 is a cylindrical member that extends from the inside of the support member 715 so as to protrude upward via a hole 715S (FIG. 8B).
  • the traction shaft 720 includes a pin 720H.
  • the pins 720 ⁇ / b> H are a pair of protrusions that protrude in the left-right direction from the lower end of the traction shaft 720.
  • the pin 720H is inserted through the slit 715H of the support member 715.
  • the spring 721 is a coiled spring member that is externally fitted to the traction shaft 720.
  • the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is adjusted by the elastic force of the spring 721.
  • the screw 722 is fastened to a screw hole (not shown) formed on the upper end surface of the traction shaft 720.
  • the screw 722 includes a disk-like flange portion 722F (FIG. 8B).
  • the spring 721 is compressed between the flange portion 722F of the screw 722 and the pressurizing portion 710B of the swing holder 710.
  • 9A and 9B are side views of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment in a pressurized state.
  • 10A and 10B are side views of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment in a decompressed state.
  • the nip plate 521 presses the fixing belt 520 toward the pressure roller 51.
  • the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is defined as the second pressing force.
  • the second pressing force is set to 75N.
  • the controller 60 changes the second pressing force as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B by the change from the state where the actuator 718 blocks the detection light of the PI sensor 7S to the state where the blocking of the light is released. It is detected that is assigned.
  • the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is reduced.
  • the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is defined as the first pressing force.
  • the first pressing force is applied in a preliminary operation such as when the fixing device 5 is activated, and is set to 25 N in the present embodiment.
  • the controller 60 changes the first state of the actuator 718 from the state in which the detection light of the PI sensor 7S is released to the state in which the detection light is blocked. It is detected that the pressing force is applied.
  • the fixing process to the sheet is performed in a state where the fixing belt 520 is strongly pressed against the pressing roller 51 by the pressing mechanism 7 (FIG. 6A).
  • the opposing surface 521S (FIG. 3) of the nip plate 521 presses the fixing belt 520
  • the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are in a wide surface contact state along the sheet conveyance direction. For this reason, high torque is easily required for the first motor M1 that rotates the pressure roller 51.
  • the rotation conditions of the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520, the heating conditions of the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522, and the pressing conditions of the fixing belt 520 by the pressure mechanism 7 are suitably set. The torque required for the first motor M1 is reduced.
  • the controller 60 detects the temperature of the fixing belt 520 in the fixing housing 5H by the thermosensor 5S (FIG. 2) before the rotation of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 is started.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 on the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force.
  • the threshold value is desirably set lower than the fixing temperature for fixing the toner, and is set to 80 degrees, for example.
  • the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1 to heat the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522 in a state where the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the first rotation speed.
  • the first rotation speed is set to, for example, one third of the rotation speed (second rotation speed described later) in the normal fixing operation.
  • the heating time of the fixing belt 520 is shortened.
  • the oil component impregnated in the sliding sheet 525 (FIG. 5) is softened.
  • the sliding resistance between the sliding sheet 525 and the fixing belt 520 decreases, and the torque required to rotate the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520 is reduced.
  • the necessity of the first motor M1 having a large output torque at the start of rotation is suppressed. Therefore, the cost of the first motor M1 can be reduced.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressure mechanism 7 to press the pressure roller 51 of the fixing belt 520. Is set to the second pressing force (FIGS. 9A and 9B). Further, the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1 to rotate the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 at a second rotation speed larger than the first rotation speed. Then, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 detected by the thermosensor 5S reaches the fixing temperature set for fixing the toner, the printing operation in the printer 100 is started. For example, the fixing temperature detected by the thermosensor 5S is 160 degrees.
  • the sheet S sent out from the paper feed cassette 110 and on which the toner image is formed in the image forming unit 120 is carried into the fixing device 5 and enters the fixing nip portion N.
  • the toner image is fixed to the sheet S.
  • the threshold referred to by the control unit 60 is set lower than the fixing temperature for fixing the toner.
  • the pressing operation of the pressure mechanism 7 (setting of the fixing condition in the fixing nip portion) can be executed using the time until the fixing belt 520 rises from the threshold temperature to the fixing temperature. In other words, the fixing operation can be executed quickly without waiting for the preparation time for the pressing operation by the pressure mechanism 7.
  • the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1. Then, the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the second rotation speed. Further, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 to the second pressing force (FIGS. 9A and 9B).
  • control unit 60 causes the sheet S to enter the fixing nip N while heating the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522. Therefore, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 detected by the halogen heater 522 is higher than the above threshold value, the fixing operation can be quickly performed.
  • the first motor M1 is a motor that rotates the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134.
  • the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is directly detected by the thermosensor 5S, so that the temperature raising operation of the fixing belt 520 is stably realized.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 so that the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 is the first pressing force.
  • the pressure is set (FIGS. 10A and 10B).
  • the printer 100 has a sleep mode.
  • the sleep mode power consumption of the printer 100 is reduced by suppressing power supply to the image forming unit 120 and the like.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force (FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B). In this case as well, deformation of the fixing belt 520 and strong adhesion of toner to the surface of the fixing belt 520 are suppressed.
  • the fixing device 5 includes a sheet detection unit 5A (FIG. 2).
  • the sheet detector 5A is an actuator that is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H on the downstream side of the fixing nip N.
  • the sheet detection unit 5A detects that the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped in a state where the sheet S is sandwiched in the fixing nip portion. Then, when the stop of the conveyance of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection unit 5A, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 so that the pressing force against the pressing roller 51 of the fixing belt 520 is the first pressing force. (FIGS. 10A and 10B). As a result, the removal of the sheet S by the user of the printer 100 is facilitated.
  • the fulcrum (left fulcrum portion 711 and right fulcrum portion 712) in the swing of the swing holder 710 is disposed downstream of the fixing nip portion N in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the force point (pressurizing unit 710 ⁇ / b> B) in the swinging of the swinging holder 710 is disposed on the upstream side of the fixing nip N in the sheet S conveyance direction.
  • the fixing nip portion N functions as an action point in the swing of the swing holder 710.
  • the upstream side of the nip plate The nip plate downstream portion 521B disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the fixing belt 520 is set so that the pressing force against the pressure roller 51 is slightly larger than the portion 521A. For this reason, the posture of the fixing belt 520 rotated at the first rotation speed is suppressed from being unstable around the nip plate downstream portion 521B.
  • the printer 100 including the fixing device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
  • the present invention is not limited to these, and for example, the following modified embodiments can be adopted.
  • the first motor M1 rotates the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520 is driven to rotate by the pressure roller 51.
  • the first motor M1 may rotate the fixing belt 520 directly.
  • another driving roller that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520 may be disposed above the halogen heater 522, and the driving roller may be rotationally driven by the first motor M1 to rotate the fixing belt 520.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressure mechanism 7 to control the pressure roller 51 of the fixing belt 520 when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is lower than a preset threshold value.
  • the fixing belt 520 is heated by the halogen heater 522 while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the first rotation speed.
  • the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 on the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force.
  • the fixing belt 520 may be heated by the halogen heater 522 while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are directly rotated at the second rotation speed. Even in this case, the torque required for the first motor M1 is reduced by setting the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 to the first pressing force.
  • the fixing device 5 includes the housing (fixing housing 5H), the temperature detection unit (thermosensor 5S) for detecting the temperature in the housing, and the first rotation device disposed in the housing and rotated.
  • a rotating body (fixing belt 520) and a fixing nip portion N that is disposed in the housing, rotated, pressed by the first rotating body, and through which the sheet S passes are formed between the rotating body and the first rotating body.
  • a second rotating body (pressure roller 51), a drive unit (first motor M1) that generates a driving force for rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and heating for heating the first rotating body Unit (halogen heater 522), a pressing force adjusting mechanism (pressurizing mechanism 7) for adjusting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body, the driving unit, the heating unit, and the pressing force adjusting mechanism
  • the control unit 60 detects the temperature in the housing by the temperature detection unit before starting the rotation of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, Is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled to rotate the first rotating body and the second rotating body while the pressing force is set to the first pressing force.
  • the first rotating body is heated by the heating unit, and when the temperature becomes higher than the threshold value with the heating, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled so that the pressing force is changed from the first pressing force. Is set to a large second pressing force.
  • the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
  • the control unit 60 detects the pressing force. Is preferably set to the first pressing force. According to this configuration, even when the temperature in the housing is lowered, the first rotating body or the second rotating body is prevented from being deformed.
  • the threshold value is set lower than a fixing temperature when the sheet S passes through the fixing nip portion N. According to this configuration, it is possible to set the fixing condition in the fixing nip portion N by using the time until the first rotating body rises from the threshold temperature to the fixing temperature.
  • the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the first rotating body (fixing belt 520) in the housing (fixing housing 5H). According to this configuration, the temperature of the first rotating body can be detected stably by directly detecting the temperature of the first rotating body.
  • the first rotating body is a fixing belt 520 made of an endless belt
  • the second rotating body is a pressure roller 51 having a roller shape
  • the heating unit halogen heater 522
  • a nip forming member that is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the fixing belt 520, contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520, and presses the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51.
  • the fixing belt 520 is heated while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated, thereby preventing a local temperature rise in a part of the fixing belt 520. For this reason, the fixing belt 520 is prevented from being damaged. Further, even in the configuration in which the fixing belt 520 is pressed against the pressure roller 51 by the nip forming member, the torque required for the drive unit when the temperature rises is reduced.
  • the driving unit (first motor M1) rotates the pressure roller 51, and the fixing belt 520 rotates following the pressure roller 51. According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit that rotates the pressure roller 51 can be reduced.
  • the image forming apparatus (printer 100) according to the present invention includes the image forming unit 120 that forms an image on the sheet S and the fixing device 5 having the above-described configuration. According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
  • the control unit 60 applies the pressing force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body. It is desirable to set the pressing force to 1. According to this configuration, even when the image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep mode, the first rotating body or the second rotating body is prevented from being deformed.
  • control unit 60 further includes a sheet detection unit 5A that detects that the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped in a state where the sheet S is sandwiched in the fixing nip portion N.
  • a sheet detection unit 5A detects that the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped in a state where the sheet S is sandwiched in the fixing nip portion N.
  • a fixing device in which the torque required for the drive unit is reduced during the temperature raising time for raising the temperature of the rotating body, and an image forming apparatus including the same are provided.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fixing For Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

Provided are the following: a fixing device with which reduced is the torque required by a drive unit during a temperature elevating period in which the temperature of a rotating body is elevated; and an image forming device provided with the fixing device. A fixing device (5) is provided with the following: a fixing belt (520); a pressurizing roller (51); a first motor (M1); a halogen heater (522); a pressurizing mechanism (7); and a control unit (60). If the temperature of the fixing belt (520) is lower than a prescribed threshold value, the control unit (60) controls the pressurizing mechanism (7), and in a state where the pressing force acting on the pressurizing roller (51) of the fixing belt (520) is set to a first pressing force, the control unit causes the fixing belt (520) and the pressurizing roller (51) to rotate and heats the fixing belt (520) using a halogen heater (522). When the temperature of the fixing belt (520) becomes greater than the threshold value as a result of the heating, the pressurizing mechanism (7) is controlled and the pressing force is set to a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force.

Description

定着装置およびこれを備えた画像形成装置Fixing device and image forming apparatus having the same
　本発明は、シートに定着処理を施す定着装置およびこれを備えた画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a fixing device that performs a fixing process on a sheet and an image forming apparatus including the same.
　従来、シートに定着処理を施す定着装置として、特許文献１に記載された技術が知られている。定着装置は、定着ローラーと、加圧ローラーとを備える。加圧ローラーが定着ローラーに押圧されることで、両者の間に定着ニップ部が形成される。定着ローラーおよび加圧ローラーは、駆動機構によって回転される。シートが定着ニップ部を通過すると、シート上に形成されたトナー像に定着処理が施される。 Conventionally, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known as a fixing device that performs a fixing process on a sheet. The fixing device includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller. When the pressure roller is pressed against the fixing roller, a fixing nip portion is formed between them. The fixing roller and the pressure roller are rotated by a driving mechanism. When the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion, a fixing process is performed on the toner image formed on the sheet.
特開平３－８９３８３号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-89383
　上記のような定着装置では、定着ローラーを予め加熱する必要がある。この際、定着動作が開始されるまでの昇温時間中に、駆動機構に高い回転トルクが必要になるという問題があった。 In the above fixing device, it is necessary to heat the fixing roller in advance. At this time, there is a problem that a high rotational torque is required for the drive mechanism during the temperature raising time until the fixing operation is started.
　本発明は、上記のような課題を解決するためになされたものであり、回転体を昇温する昇温時間中に、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減された定着装置およびこれを備えた画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes a fixing device in which a torque required for a drive unit is reduced during a temperature rising time for heating a rotating body, and the fixing device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
　本発明の一局面に係る定着装置は、ハウジングと、前記ハウジング内の温度を検出する温度検出部と、前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転される第１回転体と、前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転され、前記第１回転体に押圧され、前記第１回転体との間でシートが通過する定着ニップ部を形成する第２回転体と、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させる駆動力を発生する駆動部と、前記第１回転体を加熱する加熱部と、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を調整する押圧力調整機構と、前記駆動部、前記加熱部および前記押圧力調整機構を制御する制御部と、を有し、前記制御部は、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体の回転開始前に、前記温度検出部によって前記ハウジング内の温度を検出し、前記温度が所定の閾値よりも低い場合に、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定した状態で、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させながら、前記加熱部によって前記第１回転体を加熱し、前記加熱に伴って前記温度が前記閾値よりも高くなると、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力よりも大きな第２の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする。 A fixing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature in the housing, a first rotating body that is disposed and rotated in the housing, and is disposed in the housing. A second rotating body that is rotated and pressed by the first rotating body to form a fixing nip portion through which a sheet passes, and the first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotated. A driving unit that generates a driving force to be heated, a heating unit that heats the first rotating body, a pressing force adjusting mechanism that adjusts a pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body, the driving unit, A control unit that controls the heating unit and the pressing force adjusting mechanism, and the control unit includes a controller that controls the inside of the housing by the temperature detection unit before starting the rotation of the first rotating body and the second rotating body. Detect the temperature and the temperature is When the first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotated while the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled and the pressing force is set to the first pressing force. The first rotating body is heated by a heating unit, and when the temperature becomes higher than the threshold value with the heating, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled so that the pressing force is larger than the first pressing force. The second pressing force is set.
　本構成によれば、第１回転体の昇温時間中に、第１回転体の第２回転体に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力に設定されることで、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減される。 According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
　また、本発明は、上記構成の定着装置と、シートに画像を形成する画像形成部と、を有する画像形成装置であってもよい。 Further, the present invention may be an image forming apparatus having the fixing device having the above-described configuration and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet.
　本発明によれば、回転体を昇温する昇温時間中に、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減された定着装置およびこれを備えた画像形成装置が提供される。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fixing device in which the torque required for the drive unit is reduced during the temperature raising time for raising the temperature of the rotating body, and an image forming apparatus including the same.
本発明の一実施形態に係る画像形成装置の内部構造を示す模式的な断面図である。1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の断面図である。1 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る第１回転体および第２回転体の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the 1st rotary body and 2nd rotary body which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る第１回転体および第２回転体の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the 1st rotating body and the 2nd rotating body concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る第１回転体および第２回転体の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the 1st rotary body and 2nd rotary body which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pressure mechanism of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の一部の斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の一部の分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の加圧状態の側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure state of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の加圧状態の側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure state of a pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の減圧状態の側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a reduced pressure state. 本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置の加圧機構の減圧状態の側面図である。FIG. 3 is a side view of the pressure mechanism of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a reduced pressure state.
　以下、図面を参照しつつ、本発明の一実施形態について説明する。図１は、本発明の一実施形態に係るプリンター１００（画像形成装置）の内部構造を概略的に示す断面図である。図１に示される画像形成装置としてのプリンター１００は、いわゆるモノクロプリンター機であるが、他の実施形態において、画像形成装置は、カラープリンター、ファクシミリ装置、これらの機能を備える複合機やトナー画像をシートに形成するための他の装置であってもよい。尚、以下の説明で用いられる「上」や「下」、「前」や「後」、「左」や「右」といった方向を表す用語は、単に、説明の明瞭化を目的とするものであり、画像形成装置の原理を何ら限定するものではない。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a printer 100 (image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 as the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called monochrome printer. However, in other embodiments, the image forming apparatus is a color printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine having these functions, or a toner image. Other devices for forming the sheet may be used. Note that the terms used in the following description, such as “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right”, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the description. There is no limitation on the principle of the image forming apparatus.
　プリンター１００は、シートＳに画像を形成するための様々な装置を収容する筐体１０１を備える。筐体１０１は、筐体１０１の上面を規定する上壁１０２と、筐体１０１の底面を規定する底壁１０３と、上壁１０２と底壁１０３との間の本体後壁１０５と、本体後壁１０５の前方に位置する本体前壁１０４と、を含む。筐体１０１は、各種の装置が配置される本体内部空間１０７を備える。筐体１０１の本体内部空間１０７には、シートＳが所定の搬送方向に搬送されるシート搬送路ＰＰが延設されている。 The printer 100 includes a housing 101 that houses various apparatuses for forming an image on the sheet S. The housing 101 includes an upper wall 102 that defines the upper surface of the housing 101, a bottom wall 103 that defines the bottom surface of the housing 101, a main body rear wall 105 between the upper wall 102 and the bottom wall 103, and a rear body. And a main body front wall 104 positioned in front of the wall 105. The housing 101 includes a main body internal space 107 in which various devices are arranged. A sheet conveyance path PP through which the sheet S is conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction is extended in the main body internal space 107 of the casing 101.
　上壁１０２の中央部には、排紙部１０２Ａが配置される。排紙部１０２Ａは、上壁１０２の前方部分から後方部分にかけて、下方に傾斜した傾斜面からなる。排紙部１０２Ａには、後記の画像形成部１２０において、画像が形成されたシートＳが排出される。また、本体前壁１０４の上下方向の中央部には、手差しトレイ１０４Ａが配置される。手差トレイ１０４Ａは、下端を支点として、上下に回動可能である（図１の矢印ＤＴ）。 A paper discharge unit 102A is disposed at the center of the upper wall 102. The paper discharge unit 102 </ b> A includes an inclined surface that is inclined downward from the front portion to the rear portion of the upper wall 102. The sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming unit 120 described later is discharged to the paper discharge unit 102A. In addition, a manual feed tray 104 </ b> A is disposed at the center in the vertical direction of the main body front wall 104. The manual feed tray 104A can be turned up and down with the lower end as a fulcrum (arrow DT in FIG. 1).
　図１を参照して、プリンター１００は、給紙カセット１１０と、ピックアップローラー１１２と、第１給紙ローラー１１３と、第２給紙ローラー１１４と、搬送ローラー１１５と、レジストローラー対１１６と、画像形成部１２０と、定着装置５とを備える。 Referring to FIG. 1, a printer 100 includes a paper feed cassette 110, a pickup roller 112, a first paper feed roller 113, a second paper feed roller 114, a transport roller 115, a registration roller pair 116, and an image. A forming unit 120 and a fixing device 5 are provided.
　給紙カセット１１０は、内部にシートＳを収容する。給紙カセット１１０は、リフト板１１１を備える。リフト板１１１は、シートＳの先頭縁を押し上げるように傾斜する。給紙カセット１１０は、筐体１０１に対して、前方に引き出し可能とされる。 The sheet feeding cassette 110 accommodates sheets S therein. The paper feed cassette 110 includes a lift plate 111. The lift plate 111 is inclined so as to push up the leading edge of the sheet S. The paper feed cassette 110 can be pulled forward with respect to the housing 101.
　ピックアップローラー１１２は、リフト板１１１によって押し上げられたシートＳの先頭縁上に配置される。ピックアップローラー１１２が回転すると、シートＳは給紙カセット１１０から引き出される。 The pickup roller 112 is disposed on the leading edge of the sheet S pushed up by the lift plate 111. When the pickup roller 112 rotates, the sheet S is pulled out from the sheet feeding cassette 110.
　第１給紙ローラー１１３は、ピックアップローラー１１２の下流に配設され、シートＳを更に下流に送り出す。第２給紙ローラー１１４は、手差トレイ１０４Ａ上のシートＳを筐体１０１内に引き込む。 The first paper feed roller 113 is disposed downstream of the pickup roller 112 and sends the sheet S further downstream. The second paper feed roller 114 pulls the sheet S on the manual feed tray 104 </ b> A into the housing 101.
　搬送ローラー１１５は、第１給紙ローラー１１３、第２給紙ローラー１１４のシート搬送方向（以下、単に搬送方向ともいう）の下流（以下、単に下流ともいう）に配設される。搬送ローラー１１５は、第１給紙ローラー１１３、第２給紙ローラー１１４によって送り出されたシートＳを更に下流へ搬送する。 The conveyance roller 115 is disposed downstream (hereinafter, also simply referred to as downstream) of the first paper supply roller 113 and the second paper supply roller 114 in the sheet conveyance direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as conveyance direction). The transport roller 115 transports the sheet S sent out by the first paper feed roller 113 and the second paper feed roller 114 further downstream.
　レジストローラー対１１６は、シートＳの斜め搬送を矯正する機能を有する。これにより、シートＳ上に形成される画像の位置が調整される。レジストローラー対１１６は、画像形成部１２０による画像形成のタイミングに合わせて、シートＳを画像形成部１２０に供給する。 The registration roller pair 116 has a function of correcting the oblique conveyance of the sheet S. Thereby, the position of the image formed on the sheet S is adjusted. The registration roller pair 116 supplies the sheet S to the image forming unit 120 in accordance with the timing of image formation by the image forming unit 120.
　画像形成部１２０は、感光体ドラム１２１と、帯電器１２２と、露光装置１２３と、現像装置２０と、トナーコンテナ３０と、転写ローラー１２６と、クリーニング装置１２７とを備える。 The image forming unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 121, a charger 122, an exposure device 123, a developing device 20, a toner container 30, a transfer roller 126, and a cleaning device 127.
　感光体ドラム１２１は、円筒形状を有する。感光体ドラム１２１は、静電潜像が形成される表面を有するとともに、前記表面に該静電潜像に応じたトナー画像（現像剤像）を担持する。帯電器１２２は、所定の電圧が印加され、感光体ドラム１２１の周面を略一様に帯電させる。 The photosensitive drum 121 has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 121 has a surface on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and carries a toner image (developer image) corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the surface. The charger 122 is applied with a predetermined voltage and charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 substantially uniformly.
　露光装置１２３は、帯電器１２２によって帯電された感光体ドラム１２１の周面に、レーザー光を照射する。該レーザー光は、プリンター１００に通信可能に接続されたパーソナルコンピュータなどの外部装置（図示せず）から出力された画像データに従って、照射される。この結果、感光体ドラム１２１の周面には、画像データに対応する静電潜像が形成される。 The exposure device 123 irradiates the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 charged by the charger 122 with laser light. The laser light is emitted in accordance with image data output from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer connected to the printer 100 so as to be communicable. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121.
　現像装置２０は、静電潜像が形成された感光体ドラム１２１の周面にトナーを供給する。トナーコンテナ３０は、現像装置２０へトナーを供給する。トナーコンテナ３０は、筐体１０１内の現像装置２０に対して着脱自在に配設されている。現像装置２０がトナーを感光体ドラム１２１に供給すると、感光体ドラム１２１の周面に形成された静電潜像が現像（可視化）される。この結果、感光体ドラム１２１の周面に、トナー画像（現像剤像）が形成される。 The developing device 20 supplies toner to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner container 30 supplies toner to the developing device 20. The toner container 30 is detachably disposed with respect to the developing device 20 in the housing 101. When the developing device 20 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 121, the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 is developed (visualized). As a result, a toner image (developer image) is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121.
　転写ローラー１２６は、感光体ドラム１２１の下方においてシート搬送路ＰＰを挟んで感光体ドラム１２１に対向して配置される。転写ローラー１２６は、感光体ドラム１２１との間で転写ニップ部を形成し、トナー画像をシートＳに転写させる。クリーニング装置１２７は、シートＳへトナー画像が転写された後に、感光体ドラム１２１の周面に残るトナーを除去する。 The transfer roller 126 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 121 so as to face the photosensitive drum 121 with the sheet conveyance path PP interposed therebetween. The transfer roller 126 forms a transfer nip portion with the photosensitive drum 121 and transfers the toner image onto the sheet S. The cleaning device 127 removes the toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 after the toner image is transferred to the sheet S.
　定着装置５は、画像形成部１２０よりも搬送方向下流側に配置され、シートＳ上のトナー画像を定着させる。定着装置５の詳細については、後記で説明する。 The fixing device 5 is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 120 in the transport direction, and fixes the toner image on the sheet S. Details of the fixing device 5 will be described later.
　プリンター１００は、定着装置５の下流に配設された搬送ローラー対１３３と、搬送ローラー対１３３の下流に配設された排出ローラー対１３４と、を更に備える。シートＳは、搬送ローラー対１３３によって上方に搬送され、最終的に、排出ローラー対１３４によって、筐体１０１から排出される。筐体１０１から排出されたシートＳは、排紙部１０２Ａ上に積み重ねられる。 The printer 100 further includes a transport roller pair 133 disposed downstream of the fixing device 5 and a discharge roller pair 134 disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 133. The sheet S is conveyed upward by the conveyance roller pair 133 and is finally discharged from the housing 101 by the discharge roller pair 134. The sheets S discharged from the housing 101 are stacked on the paper discharge unit 102A.
　図２は、本発明の一実施形態に係る定着装置５の断面図である。図３は、本実施形態に係る定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の断面図である。図４は、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の斜視図である。更に、図５は、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の分解斜視図である。 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51.
　図２を参照して、定着装置５は、定着ハウジング５Ｈ（ハウジング）と、定着ベルト５２０（第１回転体）と、ニップ板５２１と、加圧ローラー５１（第２回転体）と、定着排出ローラー対５５と、サーモセンサー５Ｓ（温度検出部）と、制御部６０と、を備える。 Referring to FIG. 2, the fixing device 5 includes a fixing housing 5H (housing), a fixing belt 520 (first rotating body), a nip plate 521, a pressure roller 51 (second rotating body), and a fixing discharge. A roller pair 55, a thermosensor 5S (temperature detection unit), and a control unit 60 are provided.
　定着ハウジング５Ｈは、定着装置５の各部材を支持するハウジングとして機能する。定着ハウジング５Ｈは、略直方体形状からなる。シートＳは、前方から定着ハウジング５Ｈの内部に搬入される。 The fixing housing 5H functions as a housing that supports each member of the fixing device 5. The fixing housing 5H has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The sheet S is carried into the fixing housing 5H from the front.
　定着ベルト５２０は、定着ハウジング５Ｈ内に配置され、回転される無端状ベルトである。定着ベルト５２０は、薄いＳＵＳ材からなる。なお、定着ベルト５２０の軸方向の両端部には、不図示のキャップが挿入されている。当該キャップは、定着ベルト５２０を略円筒形状に維持する。定着ベルト５２０は、後記のハロゲンヒーター５２２によって加熱される。 The fixing belt 520 is an endless belt that is disposed in the fixing housing 5H and rotated. The fixing belt 520 is made of a thin SUS material. Note that caps (not shown) are inserted at both ends of the fixing belt 520 in the axial direction. The cap maintains the fixing belt 520 in a substantially cylindrical shape. The fixing belt 520 is heated by a halogen heater 522 described later.
　ニップ板５２１は、定着ベルト５２０の内周面に当接し、前記定着ベルト５２０を加圧ローラー５１に押圧する機能を備えている。ニップ板５２１は、ＬＣＰ（Liquid　Crystal  Polymer：液晶ポリマー）樹脂からなる。ニップ板５２１は、対向面５２１Ｓを備える。対向面５２１Ｓは、ニップ板５２１のうち加圧ローラー５１に対向する面であり、加圧ローラー５１の周面に沿った湾曲形状を備えている。また、図３に示すように、ニップ板５２１のニップ板上流部５２１Ａよりもニップ板５２１Ｂは、肉厚とされている。 The nip plate 521 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520 and has a function of pressing the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51. The nip plate 521 is made of LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) resin. The nip plate 521 includes a facing surface 521S. The facing surface 521 </ b> S is a surface of the nip plate 521 that faces the pressure roller 51 and has a curved shape along the peripheral surface of the pressure roller 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the nip plate 521B is thicker than the nip plate upstream portion 521A of the nip plate 521.
　加圧ローラー５１は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに配置され、ローラー形状を有する。加圧ローラー５１は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに回転可能に支持されている。加圧ローラー５１は、回転され、定着ベルト５２０との間でシートが通過する定着ニップ部Ｎ（図３）を形成する。加圧ローラー５１は、金属製の基材の上に、スポンジ層を備え、更に、スポンジ層の表面には、ＰＦＡ（ポリテトラフルオロエチレン）チューブが配置されている。定着排出ローラー対５５は、定着ニップ部Ｎを通過したシートＳを定着ハウジング５Ｈの外部に搬出する。 The pressure roller 51 is disposed in the fixing housing 5H and has a roller shape. The pressure roller 51 is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H. The pressure roller 51 is rotated to form a fixing nip portion N (FIG. 3) through which the sheet passes with the fixing belt 520. The pressure roller 51 includes a sponge layer on a metal substrate, and a PFA (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube is disposed on the surface of the sponge layer. The fixing discharge roller pair 55 carries out the sheet S that has passed through the fixing nip portion N to the outside of the fixing housing 5H.
　サーモセンサー５Ｓは、定着ハウジング５Ｈ内の温度を検出する非接触式の温度センサーである。本実施形態では、サーモセンサー５Ｓは、定着ベルト５２０の表面温度を検出する。 The thermosensor 5S is a non-contact temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the fixing housing 5H. In the present embodiment, the thermosensor 5S detects the surface temperature of the fixing belt 520.
　制御部６０は、定着装置５内の各部材の動作を制御する。特に、制御部６０は、後記のハロゲンヒーター５２２、第１モーターＭ１および第２モーターＭ２を制御する。 The control unit 60 controls the operation of each member in the fixing device 5. In particular, the control unit 60 controls the halogen heater 522, the first motor M1, and the second motor M2 described later.
　更に、図３乃至図５を参照して、定着装置５は、ハロゲンヒーター５２２（加熱部）と、ステイ５２３と、反射板５２４と、摺動シート５２５と、第１モーターＭ１（図３）（駆動部）と、を備える。 3 to 5, the fixing device 5 includes a halogen heater 522 (heating unit), a stay 523, a reflecting plate 524, a sliding sheet 525, and a first motor M1 (FIG. 3) ( Drive unit).
　ハロゲンヒーター５２２は、定着ベルト５２０の内周部に配置され、定着ベルト５２０を加熱する。ハロゲンヒーター５２２は、ステイ５２３に支持されている。 The halogen heater 522 is disposed on the inner periphery of the fixing belt 520 and heats the fixing belt 520. The halogen heater 522 is supported by the stay 523.
　ステイ５２３は、定着ベルト５２０の円筒内部において、定着ベルト５２０の回転における軸方向に延びている。ステイ５２３は複数の板金部材が溶接されることで形成されている。ステイ５２３の両端部は、後記の加圧機構７の揺動ホルダ７１０に支持されている。 The stay 523 extends in the axial direction in the rotation of the fixing belt 520 inside the cylinder of the fixing belt 520. The stay 523 is formed by welding a plurality of sheet metal members. Both ends of the stay 523 are supported by a swing holder 710 of the pressurizing mechanism 7 described later.
　反射板５２４は、光輝アルミからなる部材であって、定着ベルト５２０の軸方向に延びるように配置されている。反射板５２４は、ハロゲンヒーター５２２とステイ５２３との間に位置し、ステイ５２３に固定支持されている。反射板５２４は、ハロゲンヒーター５２２の熱を反射し、定着ベルト５２０に照射する。 The reflection plate 524 is a member made of bright aluminum and is disposed so as to extend in the axial direction of the fixing belt 520. The reflector 524 is positioned between the halogen heater 522 and the stay 523 and is fixedly supported by the stay 523. The reflector 524 reflects the heat of the halogen heater 522 and irradiates the fixing belt 520.
　摺動シート５２５は、ニップ板５２１の回りに嵌められたチューブ状の部材である。摺動シート５２５は、ＰＦＡなどのフッ素樹脂からなる。摺動シート５２５には、オイルが含浸されている。摺動シート５２５は、ニップ板５２１によって押圧された定着ベルト５２０の回転を促進する。 The sliding sheet 525 is a tubular member fitted around the nip plate 521. The sliding sheet 525 is made of a fluororesin such as PFA. The sliding sheet 525 is impregnated with oil. The sliding sheet 525 promotes the rotation of the fixing belt 520 pressed by the nip plate 521.
　第１モーターＭ１（図３）は、加圧ローラー５１の回転軸５１１（図４）に連結されたモーターである。第１モーターＭ１は、加圧ローラー５１を回転させる駆動力を発生する。この際、加圧ローラー５１は、図３の矢印Ｄ３１方向に回転される。第１モーターＭ１は、制御部６０によって制御される。なお、加圧ローラー５１に当接する定着ベルト５２０は、加圧ローラー５１に従動して、図３の矢印Ｄ３２方向に回転する。また、本実施形態では、第１モーターＭ１は、画像形成部１２０の感光体ドラム１２１（第３回転体）や排出ローラー対１３４を回転させる駆動力を発生する。すなわち、感光体ドラム１２１や排出ローラー対１３４は、定着装置５の定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１とは異なる部材であって、第１モーターＭ１によって回転される回転体である。 The first motor M1 (FIG. 3) is a motor connected to the rotation shaft 511 (FIG. 4) of the pressure roller 51. The first motor M1 generates a driving force that rotates the pressure roller 51. At this time, the pressure roller 51 is rotated in the direction of arrow D31 in FIG. The first motor M1 is controlled by the control unit 60. The fixing belt 520 that contacts the pressure roller 51 is driven by the pressure roller 51 and rotates in the direction of the arrow D32 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the first motor M <b> 1 generates a driving force that rotates the photosensitive drum 121 (third rotating body) and the discharge roller pair 134 of the image forming unit 120. That is, the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134 are members different from the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 of the fixing device 5 and are rotating bodies that are rotated by the first motor M1.
　図６Ａは、本実施形態に係る定着装置５の加圧機構７の斜視図である。図６Ｂは、加圧機構７の分解斜視図である。図７は、加圧機構７の側面図である。図８Ａは、加圧機構７の一部の斜視図である。図８Ｂは、加圧機構７の一部の分解斜視図である。 FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the pressurizing mechanism 7. FIG. 7 is a side view of the pressure mechanism 7. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a part of the pressurizing mechanism 7. FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of a part of the pressurizing mechanism 7.
　定着装置５は、加圧機構７（押圧力調整機構）を備える。加圧機構７は、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を調整する。この結果、定着ニップ部Ｎのニップ圧が調整される。加圧機構７は、定着ハウジング５Ｈ（図２）に装着されている。 The fixing device 5 includes a pressure mechanism 7 (pressing force adjusting mechanism). The pressure mechanism 7 adjusts the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51. As a result, the nip pressure of the fixing nip portion N is adjusted. The pressure mechanism 7 is mounted on the fixing housing 5H (FIG. 2).
　図６Ａおよび図６Ｂを参照して、加圧機構７は、揺動ホルダ７１０と、左支点部７１１と、右支点部７１２と、駆動シャフト７１３と、一対のカム７１４（図８Ｂ）と、一対の支持部材７１５と、一対の支持シャフト７１６と、一対のコロ７１７と、を備える。 6A and 6B, the pressurizing mechanism 7 includes a swing holder 710, a left fulcrum part 711, a right fulcrum part 712, a drive shaft 713, a pair of cams 714 (FIG. 8B), and a pair. The support member 715, a pair of support shafts 716, and a pair of rollers 717 are provided.
　揺動ホルダ７１０は、定着ベルト５２０の上方に配置された板金からなるフレームである。揺動ホルダ７１０は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに揺動可能に支持されている。揺動ホルダ７１０は、定着ベルト５２０の内周部に配置された前述のニップ板５２１、ハロゲンヒーター５２２、ステイ５２３、反射板５２４および摺動シート５２５を支持している。揺動ホルダ７１０は、一対の支点係止部７１０Ａと、一対の加圧部７１０Ｂと、一対の開口部７１０Ｃと、を備える。支点係止部７１０Ａは、揺動ホルダ７１０の左右の側壁に形成された円弧状の切欠き部である。なお、図６Ｂでは、一対の支点係止部７１０Ａのうちの一方の支点係止部７１０Ａのみが現れている。一対の支点係止部７１０Ａには、それぞれ、左支点部７１１および右支点部７１２が挿通されている。左支点部７１１および右支点部７１２は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに軸支されている。左支点部７１１および右支点部７１２は、揺動ホルダ７１０の揺動における支点部となる。一対の加圧部７１０Ｂは、揺動ホルダ７１０の左右方向の両端部から、前方に向かって突設されている。左支点部７１１および右支点部７１２を支点として、加圧部７１０Ｂが上下に移動することで、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が調整される。加圧部７１０Ｂには、不図示の孔部が形成されている。当該孔部には、後記の牽引シャフト７２０が挿通される。開口部７１０Ｃは、揺動ホルダ７１０の一対の側板に開口された開口部である。なお、図６Ｂでは、一対の開口部７１０Ｃのうちの一方の開口部７１０Ｃのみが現れている。図７に示すように、開口部７１０Ｃには、ステイ５２３が嵌め込まれている。 The rocking holder 710 is a frame made of sheet metal disposed above the fixing belt 520. The swing holder 710 is supported by the fixing housing 5H so as to be swingable. The swing holder 710 supports the nip plate 521, the halogen heater 522, the stay 523, the reflection plate 524, and the sliding sheet 525 disposed on the inner periphery of the fixing belt 520. The swing holder 710 includes a pair of fulcrum locking portions 710A, a pair of pressure portions 710B, and a pair of openings 710C. The fulcrum locking portion 710 </ b> A is an arc-shaped cutout portion formed on the left and right side walls of the swing holder 710. In FIG. 6B, only one fulcrum locking portion 710A of the pair of fulcrum locking portions 710A appears. A left fulcrum part 711 and a right fulcrum part 712 are inserted through the pair of fulcrum locking parts 710A, respectively. The left fulcrum part 711 and the right fulcrum part 712 are pivotally supported by the fixing housing 5H. The left fulcrum part 711 and the right fulcrum part 712 serve as fulcrum parts in the swing of the swing holder 710. The pair of pressurizing parts 710 </ b> B project forward from the left and right ends of the swing holder 710. With the left fulcrum portion 711 and the right fulcrum portion 712 as fulcrums, the pressing portion 710B moves up and down, so that the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is adjusted. A hole (not shown) is formed in the pressurizing unit 710B. A pulling shaft 720 described later is inserted through the hole. The opening 710 </ b> C is an opening that is opened in the pair of side plates of the swing holder 710. In FIG. 6B, only one opening 710C of the pair of openings 710C appears. As shown in FIG. 7, a stay 523 is fitted into the opening 710C.
　駆動シャフト７１３は、加圧ローラー５１の前方で、左右方向に延びるように配置されたシャフトである。駆動シャフト７１３は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに回転可能に支持されている。カム７１４は、駆動シャフト７１３の両端部に固定されている。カム７１４は、周方向に沿って半径が異なる形状を備えている。支持部材７１５は、駆動シャフト７１３の両端部に配置されている。支持部材７１５は、左右方向に間隔をおいて配置された一対の壁部と、当該一対の壁部を上方において連接する連接部とからなる。支持部材７１５は、駆動シャフト７１３に対して上下に移動可能とされる。前述のカム７１４は、支持部材７１５の一対の壁部の間に配置されている。支持部材７１５は、一対のスリット７１５Ｈと、孔部７１５Ｓとを備える。一対のスリット７１５Ｈには、駆動シャフト７１３の端部が挿通される。孔部７１５Ｓには、後記の牽引シャフト７２０が挿通される。また、支持部材７１５の左右方向の内側には、軸受７１３Ｊが配置されている。軸受７１３Ｊは、定着ハウジング５Ｈに支持されており、駆動シャフト７１３を回転可能に支持する。 The drive shaft 713 is a shaft disposed in front of the pressure roller 51 so as to extend in the left-right direction. The drive shaft 713 is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H. The cam 714 is fixed to both ends of the drive shaft 713. The cam 714 has a shape with different radii along the circumferential direction. The support member 715 is disposed at both ends of the drive shaft 713. The support member 715 includes a pair of wall portions that are spaced apart in the left-right direction and a connecting portion that connects the pair of wall portions upward. The support member 715 is movable up and down with respect to the drive shaft 713. The aforementioned cam 714 is disposed between the pair of wall portions of the support member 715. The support member 715 includes a pair of slits 715H and a hole 715S. The ends of the drive shaft 713 are inserted through the pair of slits 715H. A pulling shaft 720 described later is inserted through the hole 715S. A bearing 713J is disposed on the inner side of the support member 715 in the left-right direction. The bearing 713J is supported by the fixing housing 5H, and rotatably supports the drive shaft 713.
　支持シャフト７１６は、支持部材７１５の一対の壁部の下端部に支持されたシャフトである。コロ７１７は、支持シャフト７１６に回転可能に支持されている。カム７１４が駆動シャフト７１３と一体的に回転すると、支持部材７１５、支持シャフト７１６およびコロ７１７が一体的に上下に移動する。 The support shaft 716 is a shaft supported by the lower ends of the pair of wall portions of the support member 715. The roller 717 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 716. When the cam 714 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 713, the support member 715, the support shaft 716, and the roller 717 move integrally up and down.
　また、加圧機構７は、アクチュエーター７１８（図８Ｂ）と、入力ギア７１９と、ＰＩセンサー７Ｓと、伝達機構Ｇ１（図７）と、第２モーターＭ２（図７）と、を備える。 The pressurizing mechanism 7 includes an actuator 718 (FIG. 8B), an input gear 719, a PI sensor 7S, a transmission mechanism G1 (FIG. 7), and a second motor M2 (FIG. 7).
　アクチュエーター７１８は、左側の支持部材７１５を貫通した駆動シャフト７１３のＤ軸部７１３Ａに固定された、半円状の板状部材である。アクチュエーター７１８は駆動シャフト７１３と一体的に回転する。入力ギア７１９は、アクチュエーター７１８を貫通したＤ軸部７１３Ａに固定された回転ギアである。入力ギア７１９は、駆動シャフト７１３と一体的に回転する。 The actuator 718 is a semicircular plate-like member fixed to the D-axis portion 713A of the drive shaft 713 that penetrates the left support member 715. The actuator 718 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 713. The input gear 719 is a rotation gear fixed to the D shaft portion 713A that penetrates the actuator 718. The input gear 719 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 713.
　ＰＩセンサー７Ｓは、アアクチュエーター７１８に対向するように定着ハウジング５Ｈに固定されている。ＰＩセンサー７Ｓは、不図示の発光部と受光部とを備える。ＰＩセンサー７Ｓは、アクチュエーター７１８の回転を検知する。半円状のアクチュエーター７１８が、ＰＩセンサー７Ｓの検出光を遮光するタイミングによって、駆動シャフト７１３に固定されたカム７１４の回転位置が検出される。 The PI sensor 7S is fixed to the fixing housing 5H so as to face the actuator 718. The PI sensor 7S includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (not shown). The PI sensor 7S detects the rotation of the actuator 718. The rotational position of the cam 714 fixed to the drive shaft 713 is detected by the timing at which the semicircular actuator 718 blocks the detection light of the PI sensor 7S.
　第２モーターＭ２は、定着ハウジング５Ｈに固定されたモーターである。第２モーターＭ２は、揺動ホルダ７１０を揺動する駆動力を発生する。第２モーターＭ２は、出力シャフト７５０（図７）を備える。第２モーターＭ２の回転は、制御部６０（図７）によって制御される。伝達機構Ｇ１は、第２モーターＭ２から入力ギア７１９に駆動力を伝達する複数のギアである（図７）。伝達機構Ｇ１は、第１～第４ギア７５１～７５４を備える。第１ギア７５１は、出力シャフト７５０に連結されている。また、第４ギア７５４は、入力ギア７１９に連結されている。 The second motor M2 is a motor fixed to the fixing housing 5H. The second motor M <b> 2 generates a driving force that swings the swing holder 710. The second motor M2 includes an output shaft 750 (FIG. 7). The rotation of the second motor M2 is controlled by the control unit 60 (FIG. 7). The transmission mechanism G1 is a plurality of gears that transmit driving force from the second motor M2 to the input gear 719 (FIG. 7). The transmission mechanism G1 includes first to fourth gears 751 to 754. The first gear 751 is connected to the output shaft 750. The fourth gear 754 is connected to the input gear 719.
　更に、加圧機構７は、一対の牽引シャフト７２０と、一対のスプリング７２１と、一対のスクリュー７２２と、を備える（図８Ｂ）。 Furthermore, the pressurizing mechanism 7 includes a pair of traction shafts 720, a pair of springs 721, and a pair of screws 722 (FIG. 8B).
　牽引シャフト７２０は、支持部材７１５の内部から、孔部７１５Ｓ（図８Ｂ）を介して上方に突出するように延びた円筒部材である。牽引シャフト７２０は、ピン７２０Ｈを備える。ピン７２０Ｈは、牽引シャフト７２０の下端部から左右方向に突出した一対の突起部である。ピン７２０Ｈは、支持部材７１５のスリット７１５Ｈに挿通される。 The traction shaft 720 is a cylindrical member that extends from the inside of the support member 715 so as to protrude upward via a hole 715S (FIG. 8B). The traction shaft 720 includes a pin 720H. The pins 720 </ b> H are a pair of protrusions that protrude in the left-right direction from the lower end of the traction shaft 720. The pin 720H is inserted through the slit 715H of the support member 715.
　スプリング７２１は、牽引シャフト７２０に外嵌されたコイル状のばね部材である。スプリング７２１の弾性力によって、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が調整される。スクリュー７２２は、牽引シャフト７２０の上端面に形成された不図示のネジ穴に締結される。スクリュー７２２は、円板状のフランジ部７２２Ｆ（図８Ｂ）を備えている。スプリング７２１は、スクリュー７２２のフランジ部７２２Ｆと、揺動ホルダ７１０の加圧部７１０Ｂとの間で圧縮して配置される。 The spring 721 is a coiled spring member that is externally fitted to the traction shaft 720. The pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is adjusted by the elastic force of the spring 721. The screw 722 is fastened to a screw hole (not shown) formed on the upper end surface of the traction shaft 720. The screw 722 includes a disk-like flange portion 722F (FIG. 8B). The spring 721 is compressed between the flange portion 722F of the screw 722 and the pressurizing portion 710B of the swing holder 710.
　図９Ａおよび図９Ｂは、本実施形態に係る定着装置５の加圧機構７の加圧状態の側面図である。図１０Ａおよび図１０Ｂは、本実施形態に係る定着装置５の加圧機構７の減圧状態の側面図である。 9A and 9B are side views of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment in a pressurized state. 10A and 10B are side views of the pressure mechanism 7 of the fixing device 5 according to the present embodiment in a decompressed state.
　制御部６０によって第２モーターＭ２が回動されると、図９Ｂに示すように、カム７１４の長径部７１４Ａが下方に位置し、コロ７１７を押圧する。そして、支持部材７１５が図９Ａの矢印Ｄ９１方向に移動される。この結果、牽引シャフト７２０が下方に引っ張られ、スクリュー７２２がスプリング７２１を下方に押圧する。スプリング７２１が圧縮変形しながら、揺動ホルダ７１０の加圧部７１０Ｂを下方に押圧することで、揺動ホルダ７１０が、左支点部７１１回りに図９Ａの矢印Ｄ９２方向に回動する。揺動ホルダ７１０は、ステイ５２３を支持しているため（図７）、ニップ板５２１が定着ベルト５２０を加圧ローラー５１に向かって押圧する。図９Ａおよび図９Ｂに示される状態において、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が第２の押圧力と定義される。本実施形態では、当該第２の押圧力が付与された状態において、シートが定着ニップ部Ｎを通過し、定着処理が施される。本実施形態では、第２の押圧力は７５Ｎに設定されている。なお、制御部６０は、アクチュエーター７１８がＰＩセンサー７Ｓの検出光を遮光した状態から、当該遮光が解除された状態への変化によって、図９Ａおよび図９Ｂに示されるように、第２の押圧力が付与されたことを検出する。 When the second motor M2 is rotated by the control unit 60, the long diameter portion 714A of the cam 714 is positioned below and presses the roller 717, as shown in FIG. 9B. Then, the support member 715 is moved in the direction of arrow D91 in FIG. 9A. As a result, the traction shaft 720 is pulled downward, and the screw 722 presses the spring 721 downward. While the spring 721 is compressively deformed, the pressing portion 710B of the swing holder 710 is pressed downward, so that the swing holder 710 rotates around the left fulcrum portion 711 in the direction of arrow D92 in FIG. 9A. Since the swing holder 710 supports the stay 523 (FIG. 7), the nip plate 521 presses the fixing belt 520 toward the pressure roller 51. In the state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is defined as the second pressing force. In the present embodiment, in a state where the second pressing force is applied, the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion N, and a fixing process is performed. In the present embodiment, the second pressing force is set to 75N. The controller 60 changes the second pressing force as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B by the change from the state where the actuator 718 blocks the detection light of the PI sensor 7S to the state where the blocking of the light is released. It is detected that is assigned.
　一方、図９Ａおよび図９Ｂに示される状態から、制御部６０によって第２モーターＭ２が更に回動されると、図１０Ｂに示すように、カム７１４の短径部７１４Ｂが下方に位置し、コロ７１７を押圧する。そして、カム７１４の長径部７１４Ａと短径部７１４Ｂとの差分だけ、支持部材７１５が図１０Ａの矢印Ｄ１０１方向に移動される。この結果、牽引シャフト７２０が上方に移動し、スクリュー７２２がスプリング７２１を下方に押圧する力が弱められる。そして、スプリング７２１の圧縮変形が僅かに復元され、揺動ホルダ７１０の加圧部７１０Ｂが僅かに上方に移動することで、揺動ホルダ７１０が、左支点部７１１回りに図１０Ａの矢印Ｄ１０２方向に回動する。この結果、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が減圧される。図１０Ａおよび図１０Ｂに示される状態において、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力と定義される。本実施形態では、当該第１の押圧力は、定着装置５の起動時などの予備動作において付与され、本実施形態では２５Ｎに設定されている。なお、制御部６０は、アクチュエーター７１８がＰＩセンサー７Ｓの検出光の遮光が解除された状態から、検出光が遮光された状態への変化によって、図１０Ａおよび図１０Ｂに示されるように、第１の押圧力が付与されたことを検出する。 On the other hand, when the second motor M2 is further rotated by the control unit 60 from the state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the short-diameter portion 714B of the cam 714 is positioned downward as shown in FIG. 717 is pressed. Then, the support member 715 is moved in the direction of arrow D101 in FIG. 10A by the difference between the long diameter portion 714A and the short diameter portion 714B of the cam 714. As a result, the traction shaft 720 moves upward, and the force with which the screw 722 presses the spring 721 downward is weakened. Then, the compression deformation of the spring 721 is slightly restored, and the pressing portion 710B of the swing holder 710 moves slightly upward so that the swing holder 710 moves around the left fulcrum portion 711 in the direction of arrow D102 in FIG. 10A. To turn. As a result, the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is reduced. In the state shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is defined as the first pressing force. In the present embodiment, the first pressing force is applied in a preliminary operation such as when the fixing device 5 is activated, and is set to 25 N in the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the controller 60 changes the first state of the actuator 718 from the state in which the detection light of the PI sensor 7S is released to the state in which the detection light is blocked. It is detected that the pressing force is applied.
　図３を参照して、本実施形態では、加圧機構７（図６Ａ）によって、定着ベルト５２０が加圧ローラー５１に強く押圧された状態で、シートへの定着処理が施される。特に、ニップ板５２１の対向面５２１Ｓ（図３）が定着ベルト５２０を押圧しているため、定着ベルト５２０と加圧ローラー５１とはシートの搬送方向に沿って広幅の面接触状態となる。このため、加圧ローラー５１を回転させる第１モーターＭ１には、高いトルクが要求されやすい。本実施形態では、加圧ローラー５１および定着ベルト５２０の回転条件、ハロゲンヒーター５２２による定着ベルト５２０の加熱条件、および、加圧機構７による定着ベルト５２０の加圧条件が好適に設定されることで、第１モーターＭ１に要求されるトルクが低減される。 Referring to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the fixing process to the sheet is performed in a state where the fixing belt 520 is strongly pressed against the pressing roller 51 by the pressing mechanism 7 (FIG. 6A). In particular, since the opposing surface 521S (FIG. 3) of the nip plate 521 presses the fixing belt 520, the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are in a wide surface contact state along the sheet conveyance direction. For this reason, high torque is easily required for the first motor M1 that rotates the pressure roller 51. In this embodiment, the rotation conditions of the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520, the heating conditions of the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522, and the pressing conditions of the fixing belt 520 by the pressure mechanism 7 are suitably set. The torque required for the first motor M1 is reduced.
　制御部６０は、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の回転開始前に、サーモセンサー５Ｓ（図２）によって定着ハウジング５Ｈ内の定着ベルト５２０の温度を検出する。制御部６０は、定着ベルト５２０の温度が予め設定された閾値よりも低い場合に、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定する（図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ）。なお、本実施形態では、上記の閾値は、トナーを定着するための定着温度よりも低く設定されることが望ましく、例えば８０度に設定されている。そして、制御部６０は、第１モーターＭ１を制御して、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１を第１の回転速度で回転させた状態でハロゲンヒーター５２２によって定着ベルト５２０を加熱する。第１の回転速度は、例えば、通常の定着動作における回転速度（後記の第２の回転速度）の３分の１に設定されている。このように、予め定着ベルト５２０が回転された状態で、ハロゲンヒーター５２２の加熱が開始されることで、定着ベルト５２０の一部にハロゲンヒーター５２２の熱が集中することが抑止される。この結果、定着ベルト５２０の破損が防止される。更に、定着ベルト５２０が低速の第１の回転速度で回転されながら、ハロゲンヒーター５２２によって加熱されるため、定着ベルト５２０の昇温時間が早められる。また、ハロゲンヒーター５２２によって定着ベルト５２０が加熱されると、摺動シート５２５（図５）に含浸されたオイル成分が軟化する。この結果、摺動シート５２５と定着ベルト５２０との摺動抵抗が下がり、加圧ローラー５１および定着ベルト５２０の回転に要するトルクが低減される。このため、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力に設定されることとあいまって、回転開始時に第１モーターＭ１が大きな出力トルクを備える必要が抑制される。したがって、第１モーターＭ１のコストを低減することが可能となる。 The controller 60 detects the temperature of the fixing belt 520 in the fixing housing 5H by the thermosensor 5S (FIG. 2) before the rotation of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 is started. When the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is lower than a preset threshold, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 on the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force. (FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B). In the present embodiment, the threshold value is desirably set lower than the fixing temperature for fixing the toner, and is set to 80 degrees, for example. Then, the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1 to heat the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522 in a state where the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the first rotation speed. The first rotation speed is set to, for example, one third of the rotation speed (second rotation speed described later) in the normal fixing operation. As described above, when the heating of the halogen heater 522 is started in a state where the fixing belt 520 is rotated in advance, the heat of the halogen heater 522 is prevented from being concentrated on a part of the fixing belt 520. As a result, the fixing belt 520 is prevented from being damaged. Further, since the fixing belt 520 is heated by the halogen heater 522 while being rotated at the low first rotation speed, the heating time of the fixing belt 520 is shortened. When the fixing belt 520 is heated by the halogen heater 522, the oil component impregnated in the sliding sheet 525 (FIG. 5) is softened. As a result, the sliding resistance between the sliding sheet 525 and the fixing belt 520 decreases, and the torque required to rotate the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520 is reduced. For this reason, coupled with the fact that the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 is set to the first pressing force, the necessity of the first motor M1 having a large output torque at the start of rotation is suppressed. Therefore, the cost of the first motor M1 can be reduced.
　ハロゲンヒーター５２２による加熱に伴って、定着ハウジング５Ｈ内の定着ベルト５２０の温度が上記の閾値よりも高くなると、制御部６０は、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第２の押圧力に設定する（図９Ａ、図９Ｂ）。更に、制御部６０は、第１モーターＭ１を制御して、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１を第１の回転速度よりも大きな第２の回転速度で回転させる。そして、サーモセンサー５Ｓによって検出される定着ベルト５２０の温度がトナーを定着するために設定された定着温度に至ると、プリンター１００における印刷動作が開始される。例えば、サーモセンサー５Ｓによって検出される定着温度は１６０度である。給紙カセット１１０から送り出され、画像形成部１２０においてトナー像が形成されたシートＳは、定着装置５に搬入され、定着ニップ部Ｎに進入する。この結果、シートＳにトナー像の定着処理が施される。本実施形態では、前述のように、制御部６０によって参照される閾値は、トナーを定着するための定着温度よりも低く設定されている。この場合、定着ベルト５２０が閾値温度から定着温度に上昇するまでの時間を利用して、加圧機構７の押圧動作（定着ニップ部における定着条件の設定）を実行することができる。換言すれば、加圧機構７による押圧動作の準備時間を待つことなく、速やかに定着動作を実行することができる。 When the temperature of the fixing belt 520 in the fixing housing 5H becomes higher than the above threshold value with the heating by the halogen heater 522, the control unit 60 controls the pressure mechanism 7 to press the pressure roller 51 of the fixing belt 520. Is set to the second pressing force (FIGS. 9A and 9B). Further, the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1 to rotate the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 at a second rotation speed larger than the first rotation speed. Then, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 detected by the thermosensor 5S reaches the fixing temperature set for fixing the toner, the printing operation in the printer 100 is started. For example, the fixing temperature detected by the thermosensor 5S is 160 degrees. The sheet S sent out from the paper feed cassette 110 and on which the toner image is formed in the image forming unit 120 is carried into the fixing device 5 and enters the fixing nip portion N. As a result, the toner image is fixed to the sheet S. In the present embodiment, as described above, the threshold referred to by the control unit 60 is set lower than the fixing temperature for fixing the toner. In this case, the pressing operation of the pressure mechanism 7 (setting of the fixing condition in the fixing nip portion) can be executed using the time until the fixing belt 520 rises from the threshold temperature to the fixing temperature. In other words, the fixing operation can be executed quickly without waiting for the preparation time for the pressing operation by the pressure mechanism 7.
　なお、プリンター１００における印刷動作が開始されるにあたって、直前で実施された定着処理時の余熱によって、定着ベルト５２０の温度が高温に維持されている場合がある。したがって、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の回転開始前に、ハロゲンヒーター５２２によって検出された定着ベルト５２０の温度が上記の閾値よりも高い場合には、制御部６０は、第１モーターＭ１を制御して、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１を第２の回転速度で回転させる。また、制御部６０は、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第２の押圧力に設定する（図９Ａ、図９Ｂ）。そして、制御部６０は、ハロゲンヒーター５２２によって定着ベルト５２０を加熱しながら、シートＳを定着ニップ部Ｎに進入させる。したがって、ハロゲンヒーター５２２によって検出された定着ベルト５２０の温度が上記の閾値よりも高い場合には、速やかに定着動作に移行可能とされる。 Note that when the printing operation in the printer 100 is started, the temperature of the fixing belt 520 may be maintained at a high temperature due to the residual heat during the fixing process performed immediately before. Accordingly, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 detected by the halogen heater 522 is higher than the above threshold before the rotation of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 starts, the control unit 60 controls the first motor M1. Then, the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the second rotation speed. Further, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 to the second pressing force (FIGS. 9A and 9B). Then, the control unit 60 causes the sheet S to enter the fixing nip N while heating the fixing belt 520 by the halogen heater 522. Therefore, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 detected by the halogen heater 522 is higher than the above threshold value, the fixing operation can be quickly performed.
　このように、本実施形態では、定着動作のために定着ベルト５２０を加熱するにあたって、初期的に、加圧機構７の加圧条件、並びに、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１の回転条件を調整する。特に、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１が第１の回転速度で回転されることで、定着ベルト５２０の昇温時間が早められる。この結果、定着ベルト５２０が所定の温度に至るまでの間に、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１が空回しされる回転数が低減される。したがって、加圧ローラー５１を回転させるためのギアの摩耗量を抑制することができる。更に、本実施形態では、前述のように、第１モーターＭ１は、感光体ドラム１２１や排出ローラー対１３４を回転させるモーターである。このため、加圧ローラー５１が回転される時間が縮小されることで、感光体ドラム１２１や排出ローラー対１３４が空回転される時間が縮小される。このため、これらの部材の回転に寄与するギアの摩耗量が同様に抑制される。したがって、第１モーターＭ１と、感光体ドラム１２１や排出ローラー対１３４との間に、クラッチなどの駆動切替機構が配設される必要が低減される。更に、感光体ドラム１２１が空回転される時間が縮小されることで、感光体ドラム１２１の摩耗が低減される。 As described above, in this embodiment, when the fixing belt 520 is heated for the fixing operation, the pressure condition of the pressure mechanism 7 and the rotation conditions of the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are initially adjusted. To do. In particular, when the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the first rotation speed, the temperature increase time of the fixing belt 520 is shortened. As a result, the number of rotations at which the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are idle before the fixing belt 520 reaches a predetermined temperature is reduced. Therefore, the wear amount of the gear for rotating the pressure roller 51 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first motor M1 is a motor that rotates the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134. For this reason, the time for which the pressure roller 51 is rotated is reduced, so that the time for which the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134 are idly rotated is reduced. For this reason, the amount of wear of the gear contributing to the rotation of these members is similarly suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the necessity of providing a drive switching mechanism such as a clutch between the first motor M1 and the photosensitive drum 121 and the discharge roller pair 134. Furthermore, since the time during which the photosensitive drum 121 is idling is reduced, the wear of the photosensitive drum 121 is reduced.
　また、本実施形態では、サーモセンサー５Ｓによって定着ベルト５２０の温度が直接検出されることで、定着ベルト５２０の昇温動作が安定して実現される。 In this embodiment, the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is directly detected by the thermosensor 5S, so that the temperature raising operation of the fixing belt 520 is stably realized.
　更に、プリンター１００の印刷動作が終了すると、ハロゲンヒーター５２２の加熱が停止され、加圧ローラー５１および定着ベルト５２０の回転が停止される。その後、定着ベルト５２０の温度が上記の閾値（８０度）よりも低くなると、制御部６０は、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定する（図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ）。この結果、定着ベルト５２０と加圧ローラー５１との間に強い第２の押圧力が設定されたまま、定着ベルト５２０の温度が８０度以下にさがることがない。このため、定着ベルト５２０に変形が生じることや、定着ベルト５２０上に残存したトナーが定着ベルト５２０の表面に強く付着することが抑制される。 Further, when the printing operation of the printer 100 is finished, the heating of the halogen heater 522 is stopped, and the rotation of the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520 is stopped. After that, when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 becomes lower than the above threshold value (80 degrees), the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 so that the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 is the first pressing force. The pressure is set (FIGS. 10A and 10B). As a result, the temperature of the fixing belt 520 does not fall below 80 degrees while the strong second pressing force is set between the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51. For this reason, deformation of the fixing belt 520 and the toner remaining on the fixing belt 520 are suppressed from strongly adhering to the surface of the fixing belt 520.
　また、本実施形態では、プリンター１００がスリープモードを備えている。スリープモードでは、画像形成部１２０などへの電力供給を抑制することで、プリンター１００の消費電力が縮小される。このようなスリープモードへの移行時にも、制御部６０は、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定する（図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ）。この場合も、定着ベルト５２０に変形が生じることや、トナーが定着ベルト５２０の表面に強く付着することが抑制される。 In this embodiment, the printer 100 has a sleep mode. In the sleep mode, power consumption of the printer 100 is reduced by suppressing power supply to the image forming unit 120 and the like. Even during the transition to the sleep mode, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force (FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B). In this case as well, deformation of the fixing belt 520 and strong adhesion of toner to the surface of the fixing belt 520 are suppressed.
　更に、本実施形態では、定着装置５は、シート検出部５Ａ（図２）を備える。シート検出部５Ａは、定着ニップ部Ｎの下流側で、定着ハウジング５Ｈに回動可能に支持されたアクチュエーターである。シート検出部５Ａは、定着ニップ部にシートＳが挟持された状態で、シートＳの搬送が停止したことを検出する。そして、制御部６０は、シート検出部５ＡによってシートＳの搬送の停止が検出されると、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定する（図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ）。この結果、プリンター１００の使用者によるシートＳの除去が容易とされる。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fixing device 5 includes a sheet detection unit 5A (FIG. 2). The sheet detector 5A is an actuator that is rotatably supported by the fixing housing 5H on the downstream side of the fixing nip N. The sheet detection unit 5A detects that the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped in a state where the sheet S is sandwiched in the fixing nip portion. Then, when the stop of the conveyance of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection unit 5A, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 so that the pressing force against the pressing roller 51 of the fixing belt 520 is the first pressing force. (FIGS. 10A and 10B). As a result, the removal of the sheet S by the user of the printer 100 is facilitated.
　更に、本実施形態では、揺動ホルダ７１０の揺動における支点（左支点部７１１、右支点部７１２）は、定着ニップ部ＮよりもシートＳの搬送方向下流側に配置されている。一方、揺動ホルダ７１０の揺動における力点（加圧部７１０Ｂ）は、定着ニップ部ＮよりもシートＳの搬送方向上流側に配置されている。そして、定着ニップ部Ｎが、揺動ホルダ７１０の揺動における作用点として機能する。制御部６０が、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定する（減圧する）（図１０Ａ、図１０Ｂ）場合、ニップ板上流部５２１Ａよりも定着ベルト５２０の回転方向下流側に配置されたニップ板下流部５２１Ｂの方が、加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が僅かに大きくなるように設定されている。このため、ニップ板下流部５２１Ｂの周辺において、第１の回転速度で回転される定着ベルト５２０の姿勢が不安定になることが抑制される。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fulcrum (left fulcrum portion 711 and right fulcrum portion 712) in the swing of the swing holder 710 is disposed downstream of the fixing nip portion N in the transport direction of the sheet S. On the other hand, the force point (pressurizing unit 710 </ b> B) in the swinging of the swinging holder 710 is disposed on the upstream side of the fixing nip N in the sheet S conveyance direction. The fixing nip portion N functions as an action point in the swing of the swing holder 710. When the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set (depressurize) the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force (FIGS. 10A and 10B), the upstream side of the nip plate The nip plate downstream portion 521B disposed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the fixing belt 520 is set so that the pressing force against the pressure roller 51 is slightly larger than the portion 521A. For this reason, the posture of the fixing belt 520 rotated at the first rotation speed is suppressed from being unstable around the nip plate downstream portion 521B.
　以上、本発明の実施形態に係る定着装置５を備えたプリンター１００について説明した。本発明はこれらに限定されるものではなく、例えば次のような変形実施形態を採用することができる。 The printer 100 including the fixing device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The present invention is not limited to these, and for example, the following modified embodiments can be adopted.
　（１）上記の実施形態では、第１モーターＭ１が加圧ローラー５１を回転させ、定着ベルト５２０が加圧ローラー５１に従動して回転する態様にて説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。第１モーターＭ１は、定着ベルト５２０を直接回転させるものでもよい。また、ハロゲンヒーター５２２の上方において、定着ベルト５２０の内周面に当接する他の駆動ローラーが配置され、当該駆動ローラーが第１モーターＭ１によって回転駆動され、定着ベルト５２０が回転されてもよい。 (1) In the above-described embodiment, the first motor M1 rotates the pressure roller 51 and the fixing belt 520 is driven to rotate by the pressure roller 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. The first motor M1 may rotate the fixing belt 520 directly. Further, another driving roller that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520 may be disposed above the halogen heater 522, and the driving roller may be rotationally driven by the first motor M1 to rotate the fixing belt 520.
　（２）また、上記の実施形態では、制御部６０は、定着ベルト５２０の温度が予め設定された閾値よりも低い場合に、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定するとともに、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１を第１の回転速度で回転させた状態でハロゲンヒーター５２２によって定着ベルト５２０を加熱する態様にて説明した。本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。制御部６０は、定着ベルト５２０の温度が予め設定された閾値よりも低い場合に、加圧機構７を制御して、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定するとともに、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１を直接第２の回転速度で回転させた状態でハロゲンヒーター５２２によって定着ベルト５２０を加熱する態様でもよい。この場合であっても、定着ベルト５２０の加圧ローラー５１に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力に設定されることによって、第１モーターＭ１に必要とされるトルクが低減される。 (2) In the above embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the pressure mechanism 7 to control the pressure roller 51 of the fixing belt 520 when the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is lower than a preset threshold value. As described above, the fixing belt 520 is heated by the halogen heater 522 while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated at the first rotation speed. The present invention is not limited to this. When the temperature of the fixing belt 520 is lower than a preset threshold, the control unit 60 controls the pressing mechanism 7 to set the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 on the pressing roller 51 to the first pressing force. In addition, the fixing belt 520 may be heated by the halogen heater 522 while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are directly rotated at the second rotation speed. Even in this case, the torque required for the first motor M1 is reduced by setting the pressing force of the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51 to the first pressing force.
　上記したように本発明に係る定着装置５は、ハウジング（定着ハウジング５Ｈ）と、前記ハウジング内の温度を検出する温度検出部（サーモセンサー５Ｓ）と、前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転される第１回転体（定着ベルト５２０）と、前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転され、前記第１回転体に押圧され、前記第１回転体との間でシートＳが通過する定着ニップ部Ｎを形成する第２回転体（加圧ローラー５１）と、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させる駆動力を発生する駆動部（第１モーターＭ１）と、前記第１回転体を加熱する加熱部（ハロゲンヒーター５２２）と、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を調整する押圧力調整機構（加圧機構７）と、前記駆動部、前記加熱部および前記押圧力調整機構を制御する制御部６０と、を有し、前記制御部６０は、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体の回転開始前に、前記温度検出部によって前記ハウジング内の温度を検出し、前記温度が所定の閾値よりも低い場合に、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定した状態で、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させながら、前記加熱部によって前記第１回転体を加熱し、前記加熱に伴って前記温度が前記閾値よりも高くなると、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力よりも大きな第２の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする。 As described above, the fixing device 5 according to the present invention includes the housing (fixing housing 5H), the temperature detection unit (thermosensor 5S) for detecting the temperature in the housing, and the first rotation device disposed in the housing and rotated. A rotating body (fixing belt 520) and a fixing nip portion N that is disposed in the housing, rotated, pressed by the first rotating body, and through which the sheet S passes are formed between the rotating body and the first rotating body. A second rotating body (pressure roller 51), a drive unit (first motor M1) that generates a driving force for rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and heating for heating the first rotating body Unit (halogen heater 522), a pressing force adjusting mechanism (pressurizing mechanism 7) for adjusting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body, the driving unit, the heating unit, and the pressing force adjusting mechanism The The control unit 60 detects the temperature in the housing by the temperature detection unit before starting the rotation of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, Is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled to rotate the first rotating body and the second rotating body while the pressing force is set to the first pressing force. The first rotating body is heated by the heating unit, and when the temperature becomes higher than the threshold value with the heating, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled so that the pressing force is changed from the first pressing force. Is set to a large second pressing force.
　本構成によれば、第１回転体の昇温時間中に、第１回転体の第２回転体に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力に設定されることで、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減される。 According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
　上記の構成において、前記制御部６０は、前記シートＳが前記定着ニップ部Ｎを通過した後、前記温度検出部（サーモセンサー５Ｓ）によって検出された温度が前記閾値よりも低くなると、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することが望ましい。本構成によれば、ハウジング内の温度が低下した場合であっても、第１回転体または第２回転体に変形が生じることが防止される。 In the above configuration, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit (thermosensor 5S) becomes lower than the threshold value after the sheet S has passed through the fixing nip N, the control unit 60 detects the pressing force. Is preferably set to the first pressing force. According to this configuration, even when the temperature in the housing is lowered, the first rotating body or the second rotating body is prevented from being deformed.
　上記の構成において、前記閾値は、前記シートＳが前記定着ニップ部Ｎを通過する際の定着温度よりも低く設定されていることが望ましい。本構成によれば、第１回転体が閾値温度から定着温度に上昇するまでの時間を利用して、定着ニップ部Ｎにおける定着条件を設定することができる。 In the above configuration, it is preferable that the threshold value is set lower than a fixing temperature when the sheet S passes through the fixing nip portion N. According to this configuration, it is possible to set the fixing condition in the fixing nip portion N by using the time until the first rotating body rises from the threshold temperature to the fixing temperature.
　上記の構成において、前記温度検出部（サーモセンサー５Ｓ）は、前記ハウジング（定着ハウジング５Ｈ）内の前記第１回転体（定着ベルト５２０）の温度を検出することが望ましい。本構成によれば、第１回転体の温度が直接検出されることで、第１回転体の昇温が安定して実現される。 In the above configuration, it is preferable that the temperature detection unit (thermosensor 5S) detects the temperature of the first rotating body (fixing belt 520) in the housing (fixing housing 5H). According to this configuration, the temperature of the first rotating body can be detected stably by directly detecting the temperature of the first rotating body.
　上記の構成において、前記第１回転体は、無端状ベルトからなる定着ベルト５２０であり、前記第２回転体は、ローラー形状を有する加圧ローラー５１であり、前記加熱部（ハロゲンヒーター５２２）は、前記定着ベルト５２０の内周部に配置され、前記定着ベルト５２０の内周面に当接し、前記定着ベルト５２０を前記加圧ローラー５１に押圧するニップ形成部材（ニップ板５２１）を更に有することが望ましい。本構成によれば、定着ベルト５２０および加圧ローラー５１が回転されながら、定着ベルト５２０が加熱されることで、定着ベルト５２０の一部に局所的な昇温が生じることが防止される。このため、定着ベルト５２０の破損が防止される。また、定着ベルト５２０がニップ形成部材によって加圧ローラー５１に押圧される構成においても、昇温時に駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減される。 In the above configuration, the first rotating body is a fixing belt 520 made of an endless belt, the second rotating body is a pressure roller 51 having a roller shape, and the heating unit (halogen heater 522) is And a nip forming member (nip plate 521) that is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the fixing belt 520, contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 520, and presses the fixing belt 520 against the pressure roller 51. Is desirable. According to this configuration, the fixing belt 520 is heated while the fixing belt 520 and the pressure roller 51 are rotated, thereby preventing a local temperature rise in a part of the fixing belt 520. For this reason, the fixing belt 520 is prevented from being damaged. Further, even in the configuration in which the fixing belt 520 is pressed against the pressure roller 51 by the nip forming member, the torque required for the drive unit when the temperature rises is reduced.
　上記の構成において、前記駆動部（第１モーターＭ１）は、前記加圧ローラー５１を回転させ、前記定着ベルト５２０は、前記加圧ローラー５１に従動して回転することが望ましい。本構成によれば、加圧ローラー５１を回転させる駆動部に必要とされるトルクを低減することができる。 In the above configuration, it is preferable that the driving unit (first motor M1) rotates the pressure roller 51, and the fixing belt 520 rotates following the pressure roller 51. According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit that rotates the pressure roller 51 can be reduced.
　本発明に係る画像形成装置（プリンター１００）は、シートＳに画像を形成する画像形成部１２０と、上記構成の定着装置５と、を有することを特徴とする。本構成によれば、第１回転体の昇温時間中に、第１回転体の第２回転体に対する押圧力が第１の押圧力に設定されることで、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減される。 The image forming apparatus (printer 100) according to the present invention includes the image forming unit 120 that forms an image on the sheet S and the fixing device 5 having the above-described configuration. According to this configuration, the torque required for the drive unit is set by setting the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force during the temperature raising time of the first rotating body. Is reduced.
　上記の構成において、前記画像形成部１２０への電力供給が抑制されるスリープモードへの移行に応じて、前記制御部６０は、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することが望ましい。本構成によれば、画像形成装置がスリープモードに移行する場合であっても、第１回転体または第２回転体に変形が生じることが防止される。 In the above configuration, in accordance with the transition to the sleep mode in which power supply to the image forming unit 120 is suppressed, the control unit 60 applies the pressing force of the first rotating body to the second rotating body. It is desirable to set the pressing force to 1. According to this configuration, even when the image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep mode, the first rotating body or the second rotating body is prevented from being deformed.
　上記の構成において、前記定着ニップ部Ｎに前記シートＳが挟持された状態で、前記シートＳの搬送が停止したことを検出するシート検出部５Ａを更に有し、前記制御部６０は、前記シート検出部５Ａによって前記シートＳの停止が検出されると、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することが望ましい。本構成によれば、定着ニップ部ＮにおいてシートＳが詰まった場合であっても、シートＳを容易に取り除くことができる。 In the above-described configuration, the control unit 60 further includes a sheet detection unit 5A that detects that the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped in a state where the sheet S is sandwiched in the fixing nip portion N. When the stop of the sheet S is detected by the detection unit 5A, it is desirable that the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body is set to the first pressing force. According to this configuration, even when the sheet S is jammed in the fixing nip portion N, the sheet S can be easily removed.
　すなわち、本発明によれば、回転体を昇温する昇温時間中に、駆動部に必要とされるトルクが低減された定着装置およびこれを備えた画像形成装置が提供される。 That is, according to the present invention, a fixing device in which the torque required for the drive unit is reduced during the temperature raising time for raising the temperature of the rotating body, and an image forming apparatus including the same are provided.

Claims (10)

  1. 　ハウジングと、
    　前記ハウジング内の温度を検出する温度検出部と、
    　前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転される第１回転体と、
    　前記ハウジング内に配置され、回転され、前記第１回転体に押圧され、前記第１回転体との間でシートが通過する定着ニップ部を形成する第２回転体と、
    　前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させる駆動力を発生する駆動部と、
    　前記第１回転体を加熱する加熱部と、
    　前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を調整する押圧力調整機構と、
    　前記駆動部、前記加熱部および前記押圧力調整機構を制御する制御部と、
    を有し、
    　前記制御部は、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体の回転開始前に、前記温度検出部によって前記ハウジング内の温度を検出し、前記温度が所定の閾値よりも低い場合に、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を第１の押圧力に設定した状態で、前記第１回転体および前記第２回転体を回転させながら、前記加熱部によって前記第１回転体を加熱し、前記加熱に伴って前記温度が前記閾値よりも高くなると、前記押圧力調整機構を制御して、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力よりも大きな第２の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする定着装置。     A housing;
    A temperature detector for detecting the temperature in the housing;
    A first rotating body disposed and rotated in the housing;
    A second rotating body disposed in the housing, rotated, pressed by the first rotating body, and forming a fixing nip portion through which a sheet passes with the first rotating body;
    A driving unit that generates a driving force for rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body;
    A heating unit for heating the first rotating body;
    A pressing force adjusting mechanism for adjusting a pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body;
    A control unit for controlling the driving unit, the heating unit, and the pressing force adjusting mechanism;
    Have
    The controller detects the temperature in the housing by the temperature detector before starting the rotation of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and when the temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold, The first rotating body is heated by the heating unit while rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body in a state where the pressure adjusting mechanism is controlled to set the pressing force to the first pressing force. When the temperature becomes higher than the threshold with the heating, the pressing force adjusting mechanism is controlled to set the pressing force to a second pressing force larger than the first pressing force. A fixing device characterized.
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記シートが前記定着ニップ部を通過した後、前記温度検出部によって検出された温度が前記閾値よりも低くなると、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。 The control unit sets the pressing force to the first pressing force when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes lower than the threshold after the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion. The fixing device according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記閾値は、前記シートが前記定着ニップ部を通過する際の定着温度よりも低く設定されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is set lower than a fixing temperature when the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion.
  4. 　前記温度検出部は、前記ハウジング内の前記第１回転体の温度を検出することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature detection unit detects a temperature of the first rotating body in the housing.
  5. 　前記第１回転体は、無端状ベルトからなる定着ベルトであり、
    　前記第２回転体は、ローラー形状を有する加圧ローラーであり、
    　前記加熱部は、前記定着ベルトの内周部に配置され、
    　前記定着ベルトの内周面に当接し、前記定着ベルトを加圧ローラーに押圧するニップ形成部材を更に有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。     The first rotating body is a fixing belt composed of an endless belt,
    The second rotating body is a pressure roller having a roller shape,
    The heating unit is disposed on an inner periphery of the fixing belt,
    The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a nip forming member that contacts an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and presses the fixing belt against a pressure roller.
  6. 　前記駆動部は、前記加圧ローラーを回転させ、前記定着ベルトは、前記加圧ローラーに従動して回転することを特徴とする請求項５に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the driving unit rotates the pressure roller, and the fixing belt rotates following the pressure roller.
  7. 　前記制御部は、前記シートが前記定着ニップ部を通過した後、前記温度検出部によって検出された温度が前記閾値よりも低くなると、前記押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定し、
    　前記閾値は、前記シートが前記定着ニップ部を通過する際の定着温度よりも低く設定されており、
    　前記温度検出部は、前記ハウジング内の前記第１回転体の温度を検出し、
    　前記第１回転体は、無端状ベルトからなる定着ベルトであり、
    　前記第２回転体は、ローラー形状を有する加圧ローラーであり、
    　前記加熱部は、前記定着ベルトの内周部に配置され、
    　前記定着ベルトの内周面に当接し、前記定着ベルトを加圧ローラーに押圧するニップ形成部材を更に有し、
    　前記駆動部は、前記加圧ローラーを回転させ、前記定着ベルトは、前記加圧ローラーに従動して回転することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の定着装置。     The control unit sets the pressing force to the first pressing force when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit becomes lower than the threshold after the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion,
    The threshold value is set lower than a fixing temperature when the sheet passes through the fixing nip portion,
    The temperature detecting unit detects a temperature of the first rotating body in the housing;
    The first rotating body is a fixing belt composed of an endless belt,
    The second rotating body is a pressure roller having a roller shape,
    The heating unit is disposed on an inner periphery of the fixing belt,
    A nip forming member that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt and presses the fixing belt against a pressure roller;
    The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit rotates the pressure roller, and the fixing belt rotates following the pressure roller.
  8. 　シートに画像を形成する画像形成部と、
    　請求項１に記載の定着装置と、
    を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。     An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet;
    A fixing device according to claim 1;
    An image forming apparatus comprising:
  9. 　前記画像形成部への電力供給が抑制されるスリープモードへの移行に応じて、前記制御部は、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の画像形成装置。 In response to the transition to the sleep mode in which power supply to the image forming unit is suppressed, the control unit sets the pressing force of the first rotating body against the second rotating body to the first pressing force. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
  10. 　前記定着ニップ部に前記シートが挟持された状態で、前記シートの搬送が停止したことを検出するシート検出部を更に有し、
    　前記制御部は、前記シート検出部によって前記シートの停止が検出されると、前記第１回転体の前記第２回転体に対する押圧力を前記第１の押圧力に設定することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の画像形成装置。     A sheet detection unit for detecting that the conveyance of the sheet is stopped in a state where the sheet is sandwiched in the fixing nip unit;
    The said control part sets the pressing force with respect to the said 2nd rotary body of a said 1st rotary body to a said 1st press force when the stop of the said sheet | seat is detected by the said sheet | seat detection part. Item 9. The image forming apparatus according to Item 8.
PCT/JP2016/066610 2015-06-29 2016-06-03 Fixing device and image forming device provided with same WO2017002534A1 (en)

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JP2018146661A (en) * 2017-03-02 2018-09-20 株式会社リコー Heating conveyance device and image forming apparatus
JP2018189902A (en) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-29 株式会社リコー Fixing device and image forming apparatus

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