JP2001290386A - Fixing device for image forming device and holding means for translucent base body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deformation and the deterioration of a translucent elastic layer at the end of a fixing roller by cooling the end of the fixing roller in a quick start type fixing device, to prevent wear and tear caused by the friction of a shock eliminating member by providing a rolling bearing in a position regulating member and to provide a holding means for translucent base body capable of aligning the translucent base body with the rotary center shaft of the translucent elastic layer. SOLUTION: A cap member 71h is fit on an end elastic layer 71b', and a heat sink member 70e absorbing heat transmitted from a metal bush 71g and/or fan 79 positively cooling the end is provided. A thrust bearing 70d is provided at a spot where the side end face of the fixing roller abuts. A driving force transmitting member and a bearing are accurately attached to the holding means for press-contacting and holding the translucent base body from the inside or the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fixing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction machine having these functions, and a means for holding a light-transmitting substrate used in a fixing roller. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a fixing device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction machine having these functions includes a fixing roller maintained at a predetermined temperature, an elastic roller, A heat roller fixing method, in which a transfer material on which an unfixed toner image has been transferred is heated while being nipped and conveyed by a pressure roller having a layer and pressed against the fixing roller, is a monochrome machine from a low-speed machine to a high-speed machine. It is widely used in everything from color machines to color machines.

However, in a conventional heat roller fixing type fixing device, it is necessary to heat a fixing roller having a large heat capacity when heating a transfer material or toner, so that the power saving effect is poor and disadvantageous in power saving. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time to warm up the fixing device at the start of image formation, and the time (warming-up time) until image formation starts is lengthened.

In order to solve this problem, a fixing roller having a light-transmitting elastic layer provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate and a heat ray absorbing layer outside the fixing roller is employed, and is provided inside the light-transmitting substrate. After absorbing the heat rays from the halogen lamp
A fixing device and a method of a quick start system for fixing a toner image on a transfer material by heating and pressing are disclosed in
Nos. 6741 and 57-82240 and 57-82
These are disclosed and known in JP-A-102736, JP-A-57-102741, and JP-A-11-327342.

FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view of a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 showing a conventional example of a fixing device in the above-described quick start system. Regarding the operation and configuration of each unit shown in FIG. 11, the same members are given the same numbers in the first and second embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the details will be described later. .

As shown in FIG. 11, in a conventional fixing device, a transparent substrate 71a is detachably fitted to a bearing 71d as a holding member, and meshes with a reduction gear connected to driving means (not shown). The transfer material is rotated at the nip formed by the contact of the elastic member 72b of the pressure roller 72 with the heat ray absorbing layer 71c and the translucent elastic layer 71b by rotating as a driven roller of the pressure roller 72 driven to rotate by the gear 78. The toner image is fixed by heating and pressing the upper toner image.

The fixing roller 71 has a configuration in which a light-transmitting elastic layer 71b made of transparent silicon rubber and a heat ray absorbing layer 71c are sequentially laminated on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical light-transmitting substrate 71a. In the fixing roller 71, a halogen heater 73 is provided.
Is emitted and absorbed by the heat ray absorbing layer 71c through the light transmitting base 71a and the light transmitting elastic layer 71b,
The heat ray absorbing layer 71c raised to a high temperature is pressed against the toner image on the transfer material. The pressure roller 72 is obtained by coating an outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical core metal member 72a made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy with an elastic member 72b such as silicon rubber.

[0008]

However, FIG.
In the conventional fixing device, the length of the heat ray generating portion 73b of the halogen heater 73 as a heating element is set to be substantially the same as the length of the fixing roller 71 in the rotation axis direction. , The bearing 71d is exposed to a high temperature, and the translucent elastic layer 71b at the end is significantly deformed or deteriorated by heat, shortening the life of the fixing roller 71,
There has been a problem that the maintenance cost is increased.

That is, in the fixing area where the transfer material P passes on the surface in the longitudinal direction of the fixing roller 71, the heat accumulated in the translucent elastic layer 71b is taken by the transfer material P every time the transfer material P passes. Therefore, excessive temperature rise is suppressed, but there is no element for actively releasing the heat accumulated in the translucent elastic layer 71b in the non-fixed region at the end where the transfer material P does not pass. The temperature of the non-fixed region of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b is abnormally higher than the temperature of the fixed region, and the deformation and deterioration of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b in the non-fixed region due to heat precedes the fixing region. proceed. Further, since transfer materials P of various sizes pass through the fixing roller 71, the fixing roller 71
The state of deterioration of the surface in the longitudinal direction became non-uniform, which also caused the fixing unevenness.

Also, since the bearing 71d usually contains oily lubricating oil, if the temperature of the bearing 71d rises during operation of the fixing device, the contained lubricating oil component is promoted to evaporate, and the bearing 71d is short-lived. There was also a problem that the bearing 71d deteriorated.

In the conventional example shown in FIG. 11, the light-transmitting base 71a is detachably fitted to the bearing 71d and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction.
Restricts movement in the substantially horizontal direction. An impact buffering member 70b is fixed on the circumference of the inside of the position regulating side plate 70a where the end of the translucent base 71a abuts by bonding. As a material of the shock buffering member 70b, for example, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or the like is used.

However, in the above configuration, the end of the translucent base 71a is shocked and directly impacted.
Since the surface of the roller b is rubbed, the rotation of the fixing roller 71 is hindered, causing uneven rotation, and the friction of the shock absorbing member 70b is severely consumed, so that the position regulating side plate 70a needs to be replaced frequently. was there.

On the other hand, when a hollow cylindrical body made of glass is used as the light-transmitting substrate 71a, the edges are baked to prevent cracks, and defects at the edges are removed.

As a result of the above-described baking process, the translucent substrate 71a
The end has a bulge in thickness as compared with the center, the outer diameter of the end is larger than the outer diameter of the center, and the inner diameter of the end is smaller than the inner diameter of the center.

For this reason, in the conventional method in which silicone rubber is applied to the translucent base 71a to form the translucent elastic layer 71b, the outer diameter of the insertion portion inserted into the end of the translucent base 71a is transparent. The both ends of the light-transmitting substrate 71a are held by a holding member set to be smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the end portion of the light-transmitting substrate 71a by about several hundred μm.
The temperature was raised to about 00 ° C. This is because the thermal expansion of the insertion portion of the holding member is greater than the thermal expansion of the translucent base 71a, and the end of the translucent base 71a is vulcanized due to the difference in thermal expansion between the insertion of the holding member and the vulcanization. At times, the clearance is set as a clearance to prevent the holding member from being pushed out and broken by the insertion portion.

However, in the above configuration, the inner diameter of the translucent base 71a and the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the holding member do not adhere to each other, so that their central axes do not coincide. For this reason, in the completed fixing roller 71, the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a and the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b are shifted from each other by about several hundred μm of the clearance amount. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When both ends of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b are held by the bearings 71d, a change in pressure due to the eccentricity of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b and a change in the thickness of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b cause a change in the nip pressure in the fixing nip portion. Had the problem of adversely affecting

Further, in the conventional fixing device shown in FIG. 11, as described above, the fixing roller 71 is
However, the fixing roller 71 may be directly driven and the pressure roller 72 may be rotated as a driven roller of the fixing roller 71, and such a configuration example is also known. In this case, the translucent substrate 71a
A driving force transmitting member such as a gear is attached to the end of the transparent base 71a. However, as described above, the end of the translucent base 71a is subjected to a baking process, and the outer diameter accuracy is deteriorated. It was difficult to attach the driving force transmitting member well.

In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to provide a step in the driving force transmitting member mounting portion of the translucent base 71a to increase the accuracy. However, the translucent base 71a made of a brittle material is provided with the same step as the metal member. It is extremely difficult to perform such processing as described above, and it has been desired to develop a means for holding the translucent substrate 71a to which the driving force transmitting member can be accurately attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device of the quick start system described above, wherein A cap member fixed and fixed, a holding member fitted to the cap member for rotatably holding the fixing roller, and a heat sink member for absorbing heat transmitted from the holding member are provided, and generated at an end of the fixing roller. By transferring the generated heat to the cap member and the holding member and absorbing the heat to the heat sink member, heat accumulation at the end of the fixing roller 71 is avoided, and the heat generated by the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b at the end is prevented. An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device capable of preventing deformation and deterioration.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device of the above-mentioned quick start system, wherein a cooling means for cooling an end of the fixing roller is provided, and heat generated at the end of the fixing roller is positively used. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fixing device capable of preventing deformation and deterioration of the translucent elastic layer 71b at the end portion due to heat by cooling, thereby improving fixing performance and reducing service cost.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device of the above-mentioned quick start type, in which the side end surface of the fixing roller comes into contact with a position regulating member for restricting the movement of the fixing roller in a substantially horizontal direction. By providing a bearing, the fixing device smoothes the rotation of the fixing roller, prevents the occurrence of uneven rotation, and prevents wear of the shock absorbing member due to friction, thereby improving fixing performance and reducing service cost. It is intended to provide.

A fourth object of the present invention is to hold a light-transmissive substrate whose end is baked to prevent cracking from inside or outside by pressing, and to apply silicone rubber to the light-transmissive substrate 71a. Is applied to form the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b, a fixing roller in which the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a and the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b coincide with each other can be produced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a translucent substrate holding unit to which a transmission member can be attached with high accuracy.

[0023]

In order to achieve the first object, the fixing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged such that a fixing device is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays. A fixing roller having a heat-absorbing layer that absorbs the heat rays outside the light-transmitting elastic layer, and a heating element that generates the heat rays inside the light-transmitting base, In a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material, an end elastic layer at an end of the fixing roller, a cap member fitted and fixed to the end elastic layer, and a cap member fitted to the cap member A holding member that rotatably holds the fixing roller, and a heat sink member that absorbs heat transmitted from the holding member, wherein heat at an end of the fixing roller is transferred to the cap member and the holding member. After transmitting the member, the heat sink member is sucked. Characterized by being configured to be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the first aspect, wherein the heat conduction of the cap member, the holding member, and the heat sink member is achieved. The ratio is at least 10 times the thermal conductivity of the end elastic layer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the heat generation in the rotation axis direction of the fixing roller is performed. The length of the heat ray generating portion of the body is shorter than the distance between the inner ends of the holding member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a light-transmitting elastic layer provided on the outside of a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays. A fixing roller provided with a heat ray absorbing layer that absorbs the heat rays outside the translucent elastic layer, and a heating element that generates the heat rays, and fixes a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material. The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising cooling means for cooling an end of the fixing roller.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the fixing member rotatably holds an end of the fixing roller. And the cooling means cools the holding member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein a cooling range or a cooling intensity of the cooling means is changed. Cooling mode change means, size detection means for detecting the size of the transfer material, and control means for controlling the cooling mode change means, wherein the control means performs the cooling based on a detection result of the size detection means. It is characterized in that the mode changing means is controlled.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.
In the fixing device described in the paragraph, the cooling unit includes an outside air introduction unit that introduces outside air, and cools an end of the fixing roller by blowing the introduced outside air.

In order to achieve the third object, the fixing device according to the present invention is arranged such that a light-transmitting elastic layer is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays. A fixing roller provided with a heat ray absorbing layer that absorbs the heat rays outside the translucent elastic layer, and a heating element that generates the heat rays, and fixes a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material. In the fixing device, a side end surface of the fixing roller comes into contact with a position regulating member that restricts movement of the fixing roller in a substantially horizontal direction, and the side end surface of the fixing roller comes into contact with the position regulating member. A rolling bearing is provided.

In order to achieve the third object, a fixing device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a fixing device, comprising: a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays; A fixing roller provided with a heat ray absorbing layer that absorbs the heat rays outside the translucent elastic layer, and a heating element that generates the heat rays, and fixes a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material. A fixing device that restricts movement of the fixing roller in a substantially horizontal direction, and a shock absorbing member that abuts a side end surface of the fixing roller, and the shock absorbing member is fixed to a rolling bearing. It is characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the rotation center axis of the rolling bearing is the same as that of the fixing device. It is characterized by being the same as the rotation center axis of the roller.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the rotation center axis of the rolling bearing is the same as that of the fixing device. It is characterized by being located at a substantially right angle to the rotation center axis of the roller.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, the holding means for the light-transmitting substrate according to the twelfth aspect comprises a holding means for holding a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property to heat rays. Means, wherein the holding means is inserted from an end of the light-transmitting base, and expands an insertion portion inserted into the light-transmitting base in a radial direction of the light-transmitting base; By being pressed against the inner wall of the light-transmitting substrate, it is fixed to the end of the light-transmitting substrate.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, the holding means for the light-transmitting substrate according to the thirteenth aspect comprises a holding means for holding a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a property of transmitting heat rays. Means, wherein the holding means is fitted to the outside of the light-transmitting substrate, and reduces a fitting portion fitted to the outside of the light-transmitting substrate in a radial direction of the light-transmitting substrate. The light-transmitting substrate is fixed to an end of the light-transmitting substrate by being pressed against an outer wall of the light-transmitting substrate.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the means for holding the translucent substrate according to the fourteenth aspect is provided by the twelfth aspect.
Alternatively, in the holding means for the light-transmitting substrate according to the thirteenth aspect, the insertion portion or the fitting portion is provided with an elastic member that is in contact with an inner wall or an outer wall of the light-transmitting substrate.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the means for holding a translucent substrate according to claim 15 is provided.
15. The fixing means for holding a translucent substrate according to any one of items 14 to 14, wherein the holding means forms a translucent elastic layer and / or a heat ray absorbing layer on an outer peripheral surface of the translucent substrate. The translucent substrate is held in a mold.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the means for holding a translucent substrate according to the sixteenth aspect is provided by the twelfth aspect.
15. The fixing device according to any one of items 14 to 14, wherein the holding unit holds the translucent substrate in a fixing device having a fixing roller formed of the translucent substrate, and rotates together with the fixing roller. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the means for holding the translucent substrate according to the seventeenth aspect is provided by the sixteenth aspect.
The holding means of the light-transmitting substrate according to the above, wherein the holding means has a driving force transmitting portion which receives a rotational driving force of the fixing roller from a driving means.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a color printer which is an image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing device of the present invention.

In this color printer, a flexible endless belt-shaped photoconductor (hereinafter, referred to as a photoconductor) 1 serving as an image carrier is used.
, Four sets of scorotron chargers (hereinafter referred to as chargers) 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K, four sets of image exposure devices 3
Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, four sets of developing units 4Y, 4M, 4
The image forming units C and 4K (four sets as shown) are arranged in tandem. The illustrated image exposure apparatus 3
Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K use a laser beam scanning optical device.

The photosensitive member 1 is stretched around a driving roller 11, a lower roller 12, and an upper roller 13, and a tension roller 14
And is rotated clockwise as shown in the drawing while being locally brought into contact with the backup member 15 provided on the inner peripheral surface. The backup member 15 is in contact with the back surface of the photoreceptor 1 and develops the developing areas of the developer carriers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K of the developing units 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K and the image exposure devices 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 4K. The photoconductor 1 is regulated at the 3K image forming position.

At the start of image recording, a drive motor (not shown) is rotated to rotate the photosensitive member 1 clockwise through the drive roller 11 and the photosensitive member is charged by the charging action of the charger 2Y. Application of the potential to 1 is started. Photoconductor 1
Is the first in the image exposure apparatus 3Y after the potential is applied.
Exposure is started by an electrical signal corresponding to the color signal of the photoconductor 1, ie, the yellow (Y) image signal, and the rotation (sub-scanning) of the photoconductor 1 causes the photosensitive layer on the surface to correspond to the yellow (Y) image of the developed image. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device 4Y reversely develops the latent image in a non-contact state on the developer carrying member 41Y by the developing device 4Y to form a yellow (Y) toner image.

Next, the photoreceptor 1 is further provided with a potential on the yellow (Y) toner image by the charging action of the charger 2M, and the second color signal of the image exposure device 3M, that is, an image signal of magenta (M). Exposure is performed by the corresponding electric signal, and a magenta (M) toner image is formed on the yellow (Y) toner image by non-contact reversal development by the developing device 4M.

By the same process, a cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is further formed by the charger 2C, the image exposure device 3C, and the developing device 4C. Further, a black (K) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed and formed by the charger 2K, the image exposure device 3K, and the developing device 4K, and is formed on the peripheral surface within one rotation of the photoconductor 1. A color toner image is formed.

The color toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 1 reaches the transfer area after the potential of the attached toner is adjusted by the charger 2F. From the paper feed cassette 51 or the manual paper feed table 53 of the paper feed device 5,
The transfer material P sent out by the registration rollers 2 and 54 and conveyed to the registration roller pair 55 is fed by the driving of the registration roller pair 55 in synchronization with the passage of the toner image area on the photoconductor 1, and the lower portion of the drive roller 11 The toner image is transferred by the transfer means 6 disposed opposite to the toner image.

The transfer material P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 1 and then conveyed to the fixing device 7. The toner image is melted by the fixing device 7 and fixed on the transfer material P. After the completion of the fixing process, the transfer material P is conveyed by a pair of paper discharge rollers 81, 82, and 83 and discharged to a paper discharge tray 84 provided at an upper portion.

On the other hand, the photosensitive member 1 from which the transfer material P has been separated is cleaned by removing the residual toner by the cleaning blade 91 of the cleaning device 9. When the formation of the toner image of the next original image is subsequently performed, the pre-charging static eliminator 92 exposes the photoconductor surface of the photoconductor 1 to remove the previous charge.

Next, an embodiment of the fixing device 7 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the fixing device 7, and FIG.
1 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of a fixing device 7 including a pressing roller 72 and a halogen heater 73. FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of the fixing device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 7 includes a fixing roller 71, a pressure roller 72, a halogen heater 7 serving as a heat source.
3, cleaning roller 74, cleaning pad 7
5, an oil applying means 76, a paper discharge roller 77 and the like. Further, the cleaning roller 74 includes a rotating shaft 74.
a and an elastic member 74b. Both ends of the rotating shaft 74a are fitted to bearing members (not shown) held on the left and right fixing device body side plates 70, and are rotatable. Elastic member 74b
Is a roller made of a heat-resistant resin such as foamed silicone rubber.

The light-transmitting substrate 71a shown in FIG. 3 is a hollow cylindrical body made of heat-resistant glass or resin that transmits heat rays such as infrared rays or far-infrared rays emitted from a halogen heater 73 as a heating element. In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, an outer diameter 2
A hollow cylindrical body made of Pyrex glass (manufactured by Corning, USA) having a thickness of 8 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm is used.

The light-transmitting elastic layer 71b is made of a light-transmitting substrate 71a.
Is a transparent silicon rubber layer (in the present embodiment, the thickness is set to 2.5 mm) formed on the outer peripheral surface of. Heat ray absorption layer 71
c is an outermost layer in which the outer peripheral surface of the translucent elastic layer 71b is coated with perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) containing carbon (the thickness is set to 0.05 mm in the present embodiment). The surface hardness of the thus configured fixing roller is 80 ° when measured with a load of 1 kg using an Asuka C-type rubber hardness meter.

In the above configuration, the heat rays emitted from the halogen heater 73 pass through the light-transmitting base 71a and the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b and are absorbed by the heat-ray absorbing layer 71c. Is formed.

The pressure roller 72 is formed by forming an elastic layer 72b of silicon rubber or the like on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical core member 72a made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. As shown in FIG. 4, both ends of the core member 72a are rotatably supported by bearings 72c. The bearing 72c is urged by a spring 72d,
The pressure roller 72 is pressed against the fixing roller 71. or,
A gear 78 is fitted and fixed to the left end of the core member 72a of the pressure roller 72 in FIG. 4, and the gear 78 meshes with a reduction gear connected to driving means such as a motor (not shown). 72 is driven to rotate. Accordingly, the fixing roller 71 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the translucent elastic layer 71b is formed up to both ends of the translucent base 71a, and a cap member 71h is fitted and fixed on the upper side thereof. Here, the translucent elastic layer 71b on the lower side of the cap member 71h
Is defined as an end elastic layer 71b '. Cap member 71h
Is compared to the thermal conductivity of the end elastic layer 71b '.
A wear-resistant metal having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 times or more is preferable.

The cap member 71h fitted and fixed to the end elastic layer 71b 'is further fitted to a metal bush 71g as a holding member for the fixing roller 71, and the cap member 7
Since 1h and the metal bush 71g constitute a sliding bearing, the fixing roller 71 is rotatably held by the metal bushes 71g at both ends.

The material of the metal bush 71g is, for example,
It is made of FC250 iron material or brass alloy, and has a spiral groove in which carbon powder is stored on its inner peripheral surface, and constitutes a sliding bearing that operates without lubrication by solid lubrication. Furthermore,
The metal bush 71g is fitted to a heat sink member 70e made of a metal material having good heat conductivity such as an aluminum material, and the heat sink member 70e is fixed to the fixing device main body side plate 70 in a form in which the fixing device main body side plate 70 is embedded. . Here, the cap member 71h is detachably fitted to the metal bush 71g so that the fixing roller 71 can be cleaned or replaced as needed during maintenance.

The heat generated and accumulated in the end elastic layer 71b 'of the fixing roller 71 during the fixing operation is transmitted to the metal bush 71g through the cap member 71h, and then transferred to the heat sink member 70e. Is further transmitted to the fixing device main body side plate 70 and diverged from the fixing device main body side plate 70 to the outside.
Therefore, since the temperature rise at the end of the fixing roller 71 is suppressed, the deterioration of the translucent elastic layer 71b is prevented.

In order to prevent the fixing roller 71 from shifting in the longitudinal direction, the position regulating side plate 70a is screwed to the heat sink members 70e on both sides by screws (not shown). Cap member 71h inside position regulating side plate 70a
A thrust bearing 70d as a rolling bearing is provided on the circumference that abuts the end of the thrust bearing 70d. The thrust bearing 70d is mounted by adjusting its position so that the rotation center axis of the cap member 71h and the rotation center axis of the thrust bearing 70d coincide. I have. Further, the position regulating side plate 70a is also used as a heating element holding means for holding the halogen heater 73, and holds the halogen heater 73 and a lid plate 70c having a small hole through which the lead wire 73a passes through by using screws (not shown) on both sides of the position regulating side plate 70a. , The halogen heater 73 is held in the fixing roller 71.

The inside of the halogen heater 73 is composed of a heat ray generating section 73b for generating a heat ray and a non-heat ray generating section 73c as a conductor which does not generate a heat ray. The length 73bw of the heat ray generating section 73b is set at both ends of the fixing roller 71. It is set so as to be shorter than the distance 71gw between the inner ends of the metal bush 71g installed in the section. For this reason, the heat ray generator 73b
The generated heat rays do not directly radiate to the end of the fixing roller 71, and the generated heat rays can be efficiently absorbed by the heat ray absorbing layer 71c.
Radiation. Further, the non-heat generating portion 73c is connected to the external lead wire 73a, and power is supplied from a power supply circuit (not shown) to the heating wire generating portion 73b through the lead wire 73a.

Next, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fan 79 as the outside air introducing means is driven by the fan drive as the cooling mode changing means based on the control signal sent from the control unit 100 as the control means. Driven by the drive current supplied from the circuit 102, the outside air is sent from outside the fixing device to the air duct 79a. Ventilation duct 7
9a is opened toward the end of the fixing roller 71, and cools by blowing outside air to the metal bush 71g and the non-fixing area of the fixing roller 71.

The rotating plate 79b is driven by a driving current supplied from an oscillating mechanism driving circuit 103 as a cooling mode changing means, based on a control signal sent from a control unit 100 as a controlling means. The plate is pivoted in the direction of the dashed line arrow by the plate swinging mechanism 79d. That is, the direction of the cooling air discharged from the air duct 79 is changed by the rotating plate 7.
The control is performed by changing the rotation angle of the fixing roller 9b to determine a region where the outside air is blown to the fixing roller 71.

Here, the control unit 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (RAM, ROM), a clock,
It is composed of a timer, an input / output circuit (I / O), various control circuits, and the like. It is not only a control of the fan drive circuit 102 and the swing mechanism drive circuit 103 but also a color print in the color printer as the image forming apparatus described above. It is configured to execute all controls necessary for the process.

Therefore, size information of the transfer material to be fixed is sent to the control unit 100 from the size detection means 101 connected to a transfer material size detection sensor (not shown). Information about the print mode currently being executed, such as the material of the transfer material to be fixed and the number of prints, is accumulated.

The control section 100 determines the width of the non-fixed area of the fixing roller 71 based on the size information of the transfer material, and sends a control signal corresponding to the determined area to the swing mechanism drive circuit 103, and the rotation plate swing mechanism. In the step 79d, the rotation angle of the rotation plate 79b is set to an optimum angle so that the cooling air is blown to the non-fixed area of the transfer material to be fixed. Further, the control unit 100 determines the optimal cooling air intensity based on information such as the material of the transfer material and the number of prints, and sends a control signal according to the determined cooling air intensity to the fan drive circuit 102, and the fan 79 performs the print operation currently being executed. Control is performed so that the amount of air to be blown is optimal for the mode.

That is, the control section 100, the size detecting means 101, the fan drive circuit 102, the swing mechanism drive circuit 1
03, a fan 79, a blower duct 79a, a rotating plate swinging mechanism 79d, and a rotating plate 79b, the end elastic layer 71b 'of the translucent elastic layer 71b during the fixing operation.
And a fixing roller 71 that actively cools the non-fixing region and prevents deterioration of the end portion of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b due to a high temperature rise.
Of the end cooling system.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the heat generated and accumulated in the end elastic layer 71b 'of the fixing roller 71 is passed through the cap member 71h and the metal bush 71g. Since it is configured to be absorbed by the heat sink member 70e and diverged to the outside from the fixing device main body side plate 70, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise at the end of the fixing roller 71, and to transmit light at the end of the fixing roller 71. The deterioration of the layer 71b can be prevented, the life of the fixing roller 71 can be extended, and the fixing performance can be stabilized.

Further, a thrust bearing 70d is provided on the circumference of the circumference which comes into contact with the end of the cap member 71h inside the position regulating side plate 70a.
And the rotation center axis of the cap member 71h is adjusted to coincide with the rotation center axis of the thrust bearing 70d. Therefore, the rotation driving of the fixing roller 71 is made smooth, and the position of the fixing roller 71 is regulated without causing rotation unevenness. And eliminates the need for a shock-absorbing member that is consumed by friction.
The fixing performance can be improved and the service cost can be reduced.

The inside of the halogen heater 73 is composed of a heat ray generating section 73b for generating a heat ray and a non-heat ray generating section 73c as a conductor which does not generate a heat ray. The length 73bw of the heat ray generating section 73b is set at both ends of the fixing roller 71. Since the distance between the inner ends of the metal bushes 71g installed in the portion is set to be shorter than 71gw, direct radiation of the heat rays generated in the heat ray generating portion 73b to the end elastic layer 71b 'can be prevented. , The temperature rise at the end can be further suppressed.

Further, since the end cooling system of the fixing roller 71 which actively blows the controlled cooling air to the non-fixing area of the metal bush 71g and the translucent elastic layer 71b is constituted, various transfer materials can be formed. In accordance with the fixing operation mode, it is possible to perform optimal cooling of the end portion of the fixing roller 71, effectively suppress the temperature rise at the end portion of the fixing roller 71, and stabilize the fixing performance for a long time. As a result, it is possible to extend the life of the fixing roller 71.

When the above-described end roller cooling system for the fixing roller 71 is introduced, a ball bearing may be used instead of the metal bush 71g. In this case, since the ball bearing is sufficiently cooled during the fixing operation, deterioration of the ball bearing due to evaporation and solidification of the lubricant can be effectively prevented.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a plan sectional view of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which will be described in detail.
Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, both ends of the translucent substrate 71a are provided with bearings 7 as holding members for the fixing roller 71.
The bearing 71d is fitted and fixed to a bearing holding member 71e, and the bearing holding member 71e is screwed to the fixing device main body side plate 70 by a screw (not shown). Here, the translucent substrate 71
a is detachably fitted to the bearing 71d so that it can be cleaned or replaced at the time of maintenance as necessary.

In order to prevent the fixing roller 71 from shifting in the longitudinal direction, the position regulating side plate 70a is screwed to the fixing device main body side plates 70 on both sides with screws (not shown). A radial bearing 70j as a rolling bearing is provided on the circumference of the circumference that comes into contact with the end of the translucent base 71a inside the position restricting side plate 70a so as to fit into the inner concave portion of the position restricting side plate 70a. And the rotational center axis of the radial bearing 70j is adjusted so that the rotational center axis coincides with the rotational center axis of the radial bearing 70j. Further, a ring-shaped impact buffering member 70e having a flange portion abutting on the end of the translucent base 71a is fitted and fixed to the inner ring of the radial bearing 70j. Therefore, when the end of the light transmitting base 71a comes into contact with the flange of the shock absorbing member 70e, the shock absorbing member 70e rotates together with the light transmitting base 71a, so that friction with the shock absorbing member 70e is avoided, The shock absorbing member 70e is not consumed by friction.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the shock absorbing member 70e is provided on the circumference which comes into contact with the end of the light transmitting base 71a inside the position regulating side plate 70a. Radial bearing 70j in which is fixed to the inner ring
Is adjusted so that the rotation center axis of the translucent base 71a and the rotation center axis of the radial bearing 70j coincide with each other, so that the rotation driving of the fixing roller 71 is made smooth, and the position of the fixing roller 71 is adjusted without causing rotation unevenness. Thus, it is possible to prevent the wear of the shock absorbing member 70e due to friction, thereby improving the fixing performance and reducing the service cost.

Next, FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which will be described in detail.
Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, both ends of the translucent base 71a are provided with position regulating flange members 71 as position regulating members.
The position regulating flange member 71f is fitted and fixed to an inner ring of a bearing 71d as a holding member of the fixing roller 71, and the fixing roller 71 is rotatable.
Further, the outer ring of the bearing 71d is a bearing holding member 7
The bearing holding member 71e is screwed to the fixing device main body side plate 70 by a screw (not shown). Here, the translucent substrate 71a is detachably fitted to the position regulating flange member 71f so that the translucent substrate 71a can be cleaned or replaced as needed during maintenance.

The position regulating flange member 71f has, at both ends thereof, a flange portion for engaging the inner ring of the bearing 71d and a flange portion for engaging the end of the light-transmitting base 71a.
As shown in the figure, by fitting the translucent base 71a and the bearing 71d, the fixing roller 71 has a function as a position regulating member for preventing the fixing roller 71 from shifting in the longitudinal direction.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the position regulating side plate 70a does not have a function as a position regulating member for preventing the fixing roller 71 from shifting, and the heating element holding the halogen heater 73 is not provided. The halogen heater 73 is held inside the fixing roller 71 by holding the halogen heater 73 and screwing a lid plate 70c having a small hole through which the lead wire 73a passes to the position regulating side plates 70a on both sides with screws (not shown). keeping.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the flange portion for hooking the inner ring of the bearing 71d and the flange portion for hooking the end of the translucent base 71a. Positioning flange member 71f having
The light transmitting base 71a is rotatable through the bearing 7
By fitting into 1d, an impact buffer member worn out by friction is not required, and the position of the fixing roller 71 can be regulated by a simple configuration without causing rotation unevenness, thereby improving fixing performance and reducing service cost. Becomes possible.

Next, a fixing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in order to prevent the fixing roller 71 from shifting in the longitudinal direction, the position regulating side plate 70 is used.
a is a fixing device main body side plate 70 on both sides by screws (not shown).
Screwed. A support shaft 70f is embedded and fixed to the upper and lower side walls in FIG. 7 of the position regulating side plate 70a. An inner ring of a small radial bearing 70g is fitted and fixed to the tip of the support shaft 70f, and an impact buffer ring 70h as an impact buffer member is provided on the outer periphery of the small radial bearing 70g.
Is fitted and fixed to the outer ring. That is, the shock absorbing ring 70h is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the end of the light-transmitting base 71a, and is arranged at a position where the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a is orthogonal to the rotation center axis of the small radial bearing 70g. Have been.

Therefore, when the end of the translucent base 71a comes into contact with the shock absorbing ring 70h, the shock absorbing ring 70h rotates in a direction perpendicular to the translucent base 71a. Friction is avoided, and the shock absorbing ring 70h is not consumed by friction.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the fixing device of the present invention, the light transmitting base 71a is located at the position in contact with the end of the light transmitting base 71a inside the position regulating side plate 70a. Since the impact buffering ring 70h having a rotation center axis orthogonal to the rotation center axis is provided, the rotation of the fixing roller 71 can be smoothly performed, and the position of the fixing roller 71 can be regulated without causing rotation unevenness. Wear of the shock absorbing member 70e due to friction can be avoided, thereby improving fixing performance and reducing service cost.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a plan sectional view of the translucent substrate and the holding means in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described in detail. FIG. 8A is a plan sectional view in which holding mechanisms 200 as holding means are arranged at both ends of a light-transmitting base 71a.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the holding mechanism 200
Is a flange member 201 in which a plurality of spring members 204 bent in an L shape are attached with screws 206 via washers.
And a screw 202 rotatably fitted in the center hole 201a of the flange member 201, and a screw that is screwed to the screw 202, and a tapered surface is formed on a surface that comes into contact with the spring member 204,
Pressing member 2 for pressing spring member 204 on the tapered surface
03.

Since the position of the screw 202 is restricted at the fitting portion of the center hole 201a so as not to move in the direction of the rotation axis of the translucent base 71a, the tip of a screw driver (not shown) is inserted into the notch at the tip of the screw 202. By turning, the pressing member 203 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and pushes the spring member 204 apart. Since the elastic member 205 is attached to the portion of the spring member 204 that comes into contact with the translucent base 71a by bonding, the elastic member 205 is pressed against the inner surface of the translucent base 71a by the pressing force of the pressing member 203. The end of the flange member 201 is pressed against the end of the translucent substrate 71a, so that the translucent substrate 71a is held by the holding mechanism 200.

FIG. 8 (b) shows a light transmitting substrate 71a whose both ends are held by the above-mentioned holding mechanism 200, and an elastic layer forming mold for forming a light transmitting elastic layer 71b and a heat ray absorbing layer 71c. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the module is incorporated into a module.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the light-transmitting substrate 71
a of the holding mechanism 200 for holding both end portions
The protrusion of No. 01 fits into the recess of the B flange 302 on the right side in the figure, and the protrusion of one flange member 201 fits into the recess of the A flange 303 on the left side in the figure, and is held inside the elastic layer forming mold 300.・ It is fixed.

Both ends of the cylindrical mold base 301 are fitted to the outer walls of the A flange 302 and the B flange 303, and an elastic layer is formed between the inner wall of the mold base 301 and the outer peripheral surface of the translucent base 71a. A gap 303b is formed. In addition, on the inner wall of the mold base 301, a light-transmitting base 71a is provided.
Prior to setting, the PFA tube formed as the heat ray absorbing layer 71c is attached in advance. Further, on the end face of the A flange 302, a plurality of (for example, 10) injections of silicon rubber as a material of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b are injected from the end face to the elastic layer forming gap 303b. Inlets 303a are formed at equal intervals on the same circumference.

In the above configuration, after silicone rubber is injected and applied from the injection port 303a into the elastic layer forming gap 303b, the mold temperature is raised to about 200 ° C., vulcanization is performed, and the translucent elastic layer 71b is formed. It is formed.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the translucent base 71a is a hollow cylindrical body made of glass whose end is baked to prevent cracking. Even if there is, the translucent base 71a can be held with the rotational center axis of the holding mechanism 200 and the rotational central axis of the translucent base 71a surely coincided with each other regardless of the bulge generated at the end. Therefore, even when the holding mechanism 200 is set in the elastic layer forming mold 300, the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a and the rotation center axis of the mold base 301 surely coincide with each other. Light elastic layer 7
The rotation center axis of the outer peripheral surface of 1b can be surely coincident with the rotation center axis of the translucent base 71a.

Next, a plan sectional view of a light-transmitting substrate and a holding means according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view in which holding mechanisms 400 as holding means are arranged at both ends of a light-transmitting base 71a.

As shown in FIG. 9, a holding mechanism 400 includes a flange member 403 in which a plurality of spring members 404 which are screwed into a screw 402 and bent into an L-shape are attached with screws 406 via washers, and A pressing member 401 that forms a curved surface on a surface that contacts the member 404 and presses the spring member 404 inward on the curved surface, and a center hole 40 of the pressing member 401.
The screw 402 is rotatably fitted to the first member 1 a and has a flange portion for pressing the pressing member 401.

Since the screw 402 has a flange for pressing the pressing member 401 at the fitting portion of the center hole 401a, by inserting the tip of a screw driver (not shown) into the notch at the tip of the screw 402 and turning it around, The pressing member 401 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
Squeeze. Since the elastic member 405 is attached to the portion of the spring member 404 that comes into contact with the translucent base 71a by adhesion, the elastic member 405 is pressed against the outer surface of the translucent base 71a by the pressing force of the pressing member 401. Thus, the translucent substrate 71a is held by the holding mechanism 400.

The light-transmissive base 71a whose both ends are held by the above-mentioned holding mechanism 400 is pressed to the mold base of the elastic layer forming mold (not shown) in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment. The light-transmitting elastic layer 71b and the heat ray absorbing layer 71c are formed by fitting and setting with reference to the outer peripheral surface.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the above-described fifth embodiment, the rotation center axis of the holding mechanism 400 and the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a are surely made to coincide with each other. The translucent base 71a can be held. Therefore, even when the holding mechanism 400 holding the translucent substrate 71a is set in an elastic layer forming mold (not shown),
The center axis of rotation of the outer peripheral surface of the formed translucent elastic layer 71b can be surely matched with the center axis of rotation of the translucent base 71a.

Next, a fixing device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the holding mechanism 700
A plurality of L-shaped bent spring members 704 are screwed into a flange member 701 attached with a screw 706 via a washer and a screw portion 701b provided on the inner peripheral surface of a center hole 701a of the flange member 701. A taper surface is formed on a surface that contacts the member 704, and the pressing member 703 presses the spring member 704 on the tapered surface.

Since a notch is provided at the tip of the pressing member 703 in the center hole 701a, the length of the tip is centered while the end face of the flange member 701 is in contact with the end face of the light-transmitting base 71a. By inserting the tip of a driver (not shown) substantially matching the diameter of the hole 701a into the notch and turning it around, the pressing member 703 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and spreads the spring member 704. Since the elastic member 705 is attached to the portion of the spring member 704 that comes into contact with the translucent base 71a by adhesion, the elastic member 705 is pressed against the inner surface of the translucent base 71a by the pressing force of the pressing member 703. The end of the flange member 701 is pressed against the end of the translucent substrate 71a, so that the translucent substrate 71a is held by the holding mechanism 700.

According to the above process, the translucent base 71a whose both ends are held by the holding mechanism 700 is incorporated in a mold similar to the elastic layer forming mold 300 shown in FIG. Through a process similar to the process described in the fifth embodiment, the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b and the heat ray absorbing layer 71c
Is formed.

Light-transmitting elastic layer 71b and heat ray absorbing layer 71c
Is formed, the holding mechanism 700 is incorporated into the fixing device shown in FIG. 10 without being removed even after the holding roller is removed from the elastic layer forming mold, and holds the end of the fixing roller 71.

[0103] As shown in FIG.
A bearing 71d is fitted to the stepped portion of the fixing roller 71.
Is rotatable, and the bearing 71d is fitted and fixed to the bearing holding member 71e.
"e" is screwed to the fixing device main body side plate 70 by a screw (not shown). Here, the translucent substrate 71a is detachably fitted to the bearing 71d so that it can be cleaned or replaced as needed during maintenance. Further, since the bearing 71d is fitted to the step portion of the flange member 701, the movement of the fixing roller 71 in the rotation axis direction is restricted, and the deviation of the fixing roller 71 in the longitudinal direction is automatically prevented.

A gear 707 as a driving force transmitting portion is fitted and fixed to the end of the flange member 701 of the holding mechanism 700 on the left side in the figure, and the gear 707 is a reduction gear connected to driving means such as a motor (not shown). And the fixing roller 71
Is rotationally driven. Accordingly, the pressure roller 72 is driven to rotate as a driven roller of the fixing roller 71.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment of the fixing device according to the present invention, the rotation center axis of the outer peripheral surface of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b is securely aligned with the rotation center axis of the light-transmitting base 71a. After the formation of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b, the fixing roller 71 is incorporated in the fixing device while the holding mechanism 700 is attached to the light-transmitting base 71a. Pressure change and translucent elastic layer 71b
A change in the nip pressure at the fixing nip caused by a change in the thickness of the fixing nip can be reliably prevented.

The flange member 701 of the holding mechanism 700
By using the end portion as a fitting portion of the bearing 71d and a mounting portion of the gear 707, it is possible to drive the fixing roller 71 with high accuracy, and to reliably prevent the fixing roller 71 from being displaced in the longitudinal direction.

The first to seventh embodiments of the present invention described above show individual best modes to which the present invention is applied, and the described configurations and numerical values limit the scope of the present invention. Not something. In addition, various embodiments can be easily conceived by variously combining the above-described first to seventh embodiments, all of which are included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the fixing device according to the present invention is mounted on a color printer as an image forming apparatus has been described. However, a monochrome copying machine, a monochrome printer, a facsimile, and other fixing devices for toner images. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to all the image forming apparatuses requiring the same as in the above-described embodiment.

[0109]

As described above in detail, according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the cap member fitted and fixed to the end elastic layer and the fixing roller rotated by fitting to the cap member. A holding member for holding the sheet as much as possible and a heat sink member for absorbing heat transmitted from the holding member are provided, and the heat at the end of the fixing roller is transmitted to the cap member and the holding member to be absorbed by the heat sink member. As a result, the accumulation of heat at the end of the fixing roller can be avoided, and the deformation and deterioration of the light-transmitting elastic layer at the end due to heat can be prevented, so that the fixing performance can be improved and the service cost can be reduced. This provides an effect that a simple fixing device can be provided.

Further, according to the invention of claims 4 to 7,
By providing a cooling means for cooling the end of the fixing roller and actively cooling the heat generated at the end of the fixing roller, deformation and deterioration of the light-transmitting elastic layer 71b at the end due to heat can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to provide a fixing device capable of improving fixing performance and reducing service cost.

According to the present invention, the rolling bearing is provided at a position where the side end surface of the fixing roller comes into contact with the position regulating member for restricting the substantially horizontal movement of the fixing roller. In addition, it is possible to provide a fixing device capable of improving the fixing performance and reducing the service cost by smoothing the rotation of the fixing roller, preventing rotation unevenness, and preventing wear of the shock absorbing member due to friction. To play.

According to the present invention, the center axis of rotation of the outer peripheral surface of the light-transmitting elastic layer is made to coincide with the center axis of rotation of the light-transmitting substrate without fail. After forming the fixing roller, the fixing roller is incorporated into the fixing device while the holding means is attached to the translucent base, and the flange end of the holding means is used as a fitting portion of a bearing for rotatably holding the fixing roller and a driving force transmitting portion. By using the fixing roller, it is possible to reliably prevent a change in nip pressure caused by a change in pressure due to the eccentricity of the light-transmitting elastic layer and a change in thickness of the light-transmitting elastic layer. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to provide means for holding the translucent substrate, which can surely prevent the deviation of the fixing roller in the longitudinal direction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a color printer which is an image forming apparatus equipped with a fixing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the fixing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of a fixing device including a fixing roller, a pressure roller, and a halogen heater.

FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view of the fixing device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view of a fixing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan cross-sectional view of a translucent base and holding means according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8A is a plan cross-sectional view in which the holding means is disposed at both ends of the translucent base. Show the figure,
FIG. 8B shows a state in which the light-transmitting base material whose both ends are held by the holding means is incorporated into the elastic layer forming mold.

FIG. 9 is a plan cross-sectional view of a light-transmitting base and holding means according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan sectional view of a fixing device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in a conventional quick start type fixing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Fixing Device 70 Fixing Device Body Side Plate 71 Fixing Roller 71a Translucent Substrate 71b Translucent Elastic Layer 71c Heat Ray Absorbing Layer 71d Bearing 72 Pressure Roller 73 Halogen Heater (Heat Source) 78 Gear

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) F16C 37/00 F16C 37/00 AB H05B 3/00 335 H05B 3/00 335 (72) Inventor Tetsu Haneda 2970, Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation F term (reference) 2H033 AA23 AA30 BA29 BB03 BB13 CA17 CA53 3J017 AA03 BA01 CA01 CA06 EA03 FA10 GA01 GA03 3J103 AA02 AA15 AA24 AA33 AA51 AA74 BA03 FA26 GA02 GA57 GA58 GA60 GA66 HA03 HA04 HA05 HA15 HA43 HA53 HA60 3K058 AA22 BA18 DA02 DA24 DA26

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A light-transmitting elastic layer is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to a heat ray, and a heat-ray absorbing layer absorbing the heat rays is provided outside the light-transmitting elastic layer. A fixing roller, and a heating element that generates the heat ray inside the translucent substrate, wherein the fixing device fixes the toner image on the transfer material to the transfer material. A portion elastic layer, a cap member fitted and fixed to the end portion elastic layer, a holding member fitted to the cap member and rotatably holding the fixing roller, and heat transferred from the holding member. A heat sink member for absorbing the heat, wherein heat at an end of the fixing roller is transmitted to the cap member and the holding member and then absorbed by the heat sink member. Fixing device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductivity of the cap member, the holding member, and the heat sink member is at least 10 times the thermal conductivity of the end elastic layer. Fixing device. 3. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein a length of the heat generating portion of the heating element in a rotation axis direction of the fixing roller is shorter than a distance between inner ends of the holding member. Fixing device of the image forming apparatus. 4. A light-transmitting elastic layer is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays, and a heat-ray absorbing layer absorbing the heat rays is provided outside the light-transmitting elastic layer. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material, the cooling device having a cooling unit for cooling an end portion of the fixing roller. A fixing device for an image forming apparatus. 5. The fixing device according to claim 4, further comprising a holding member that rotatably holds an end of the fixing roller, wherein the cooling unit cools the holding member. . 6. A cooling mode changing means for changing a cooling range or cooling intensity of cooling by the cooling means, a size detecting means for detecting a size of the transfer material, and a control means for controlling the cooling mode changing means. 5. The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the cooling mode changing unit based on a detection result of the size detection unit. 6. 7. The cooling means has an outside air introduction means for introducing outside air, and blows the introduced outside air,
The fixing device of an image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an end of the fixing roller is cooled. 8. A light-transmitting elastic layer is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays, and a heat-ray absorbing layer absorbing the heat rays is provided outside the light-transmitting elastic layer. A fixing roller, and a heating element for generating the heat rays, wherein the fixing roller fixes the toner image on the transfer material to the transfer material. A fixing device for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a position regulating member for restricting movement in a direction, and a rolling bearing provided at a position where a side end surface of the fixing roller contacts the position regulating member. 9. A light-transmitting elastic layer is provided outside a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays, and a heat-ray absorbing layer absorbing the heat rays is provided outside the light-transmitting elastic layer. A fixing device having a fixing roller and a heating element that generates the heat rays, and a position regulating member that restricts a substantially horizontal movement of the fixing roller in a fixing device that fixes a toner image on a transfer material to the transfer material. And a shock-absorbing member with which a side end surface of the fixing roller comes into contact, wherein the shock-absorbing member is fixed to a rolling bearing. 10. The fixing device of the image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a rotation center axis of the rolling bearing is the same as a rotation center axis of the fixing roller. 11. The fixing device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a rotation center axis of the rolling bearing is located substantially perpendicular to a rotation center axis of the fixing roller. 12. A holding means for holding a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to a heat ray, wherein said holding means is inserted from an end of said light-transmitting substrate, and The insertion portion inserted into the inside of the base is expanded in the radial direction of the light-transmitting base and pressed against the inner wall of the light-transmitting base to be fixed to the end of the light-transmitting base. Characteristic means for holding a translucent substrate. 13. A holding means for holding a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate having a light-transmitting property with respect to heat rays, wherein the holding means is fitted to the outside of the light-transmitting substrate, and The fitting portion fitted to the outside of the base is reduced in the radial direction of the light-transmitting base and pressed against the outer wall of the light-transmitting base to be fixed to the end of the light-transmitting base. A means for holding a translucent substrate, characterized in that: 14. The translucent substrate according to claim 12, wherein an elastic member is provided at the insertion portion or the fitting portion so as to contact an inner wall or an outer wall of the translucent substrate. Holding means. 15. The holding means holds the light-transmissive substrate in a fixing roller molding die for forming a light-transmissive elastic layer and / or a heat ray absorbing layer on the outer peripheral surface of the light-transmissive substrate. The means for holding a translucent substrate according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: 16. The fixing device according to claim 12, wherein the holding unit holds the light-transmitting substrate in a fixing device having a fixing roller made of the light-transmitting substrate, and rotates together with the fixing roller. 15. The means for holding a translucent substrate according to any one of the items 14 to 14. 17. The means for holding a translucent substrate according to claim 16, wherein said holding means has a driving force transmitting portion for receiving a rotational driving force of said fixing roller from a driving means.