Fixing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a fixing device that can improve the ease of assembly of connector caps attached to power supply connectors. [Solution] The connector has a connector cap attached to the cable exit position of the power supply connector, and the connector cap is provided with a notch through which the power supply cable passes, allowing the power supply cable to be inserted into the notch through the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device mounted on an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic recording technology, which fixes a toner image formed on a recording material to the recording material.

Background Art

[0002] As a fixing device, there is known a type including a cylindrical belt (also called a film), a heater disposed in the internal space of the belt, and a member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the belt and sandwiches the belt together with the heater to form a fixing nip portion therebetween. A power supply connector is connected to the heater, and power is supplied to the heater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to further develop the above-described conventional technology, and specifically, to provide a fixing device capable of improving the assemblability of a connector cap attached to a power supply connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention, for solving the above-mentioned problems, provides a heater comprising: a cylindrical fixing belt; a plate-shaped substrate; a heating resistor provided on the substrate; and an electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor and provided at the end of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, wherein the heater is disposed in the internal space of the fixing belt; a heater holder disposed in the internal space of the fixing belt and holding the heater over the longitudinal direction; and a power supply connector for supplying power to the heater, wherein the power supply connector comprises: a conductive contact that contacts the electrode; a housing that accommodates the contact; and a power supply cable connected to the contact, wherein the fixing apparatus fixes a toner image formed on a recording material by the heat of the heater via the fixing belt, wherein the power supply connector has a connector cap attached to the cable exit position, the connector cap is provided with a notch through which the power supply cable passes, and the power supply cable can be inserted into the notch through the opening of the notch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the ease of assembly of connector caps attached to power supply connectors can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the fixing device. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the heating unit and pressure roller. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the fixing device. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the fixing device. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the pressurizing mechanism in pressurized and depressurized states. [Figure 7] Exploded perspective view of the lower frame, upper frame, camshaft, and cam. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the relationship between the heater, connector, power supply unit, and thermostat. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 1. [Figure 10] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 1. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 1. [Figure 12] Configuration diagram of the fixing device in Example 2. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 2. [Figure 14] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 2. [Figure 15] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 2. [Figure 16] Configuration diagram of the fixing device in Example 3. [Figure 17] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 3. [Figure 18] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 3. [Figure 19] Perspective view of the connector and connector cap of Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Example 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Image forming apparatus) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a laser beam printer 1 which is an example of an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic recording technology. However, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the component parts described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless specifically specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the following description, the left side in FIG. 2 is defined as the front side of the laser beam printer 1, the right side as the rear side of the laser beam printer 1, the front side of the paper surface as the right side of the laser beam printer 1, and the back side of the paper surface as the left side of the laser beam printer 1. Also, the upper side and the lower side in FIG. 2 are defined as the upper side and the lower side of the laser beam printer 1, respectively.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the laser beam printer 1 is composed of a device main body 2 and a process cartridge 10, and the process cartridge 10 is detachably installed in the device main body 2. The device main body 2 is provided with a paper feed tray 3, a sheet feeding unit 4, a conveyance path P, an image forming unit 5, a fixing device 6, a sheet discharging unit 7, a paper discharge tray 8, a laser scanner 9, etc. On the other hand, the cartridge 10 is provided with a photosensitive drum 11, a developing roller 12 as a developer carrier, etc.

[0011] In addition, in order to close an opening 2A provided in the device main body 2 for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 10, an opening / closing door 21 is provided. The opening / closing door 21 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 21a, and is configured to be movable between a closed position for closing the opening 2A and an open position for opening the opening 2A.

[0012] The sheet feeding unit 4 is composed of a paper feed roller 41, a separation roller 42, a separation pad 42a, and a pair of conveyance rollers 43. A sheet (recording material) S stored in the paper feed tray 3 based on a print start signal is sent out to the conveyance path P by the sheet feeding unit 4, and is conveyed toward the image forming unit 5 through a pair of registration rollers 44.

[0013] When the sheet S is transported to a predetermined position, an image formation start signal is issued, and the image formation process begins. The photosensitive drum 11, which is rotated by a drive source (motor) (not shown), is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a charging means (not shown). After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed by a laser scanner 9 based on image information, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic image. The toner in the process cartridge 10 is carried on the developing roller 12 and supplied to the photosensitive drum 11 according to the electrostatic latent image, developing the latent image. As a result, the latent image is made visible on the photosensitive drum 11 as a toner image.

[0014] The image forming unit 5 consists of a process cartridge 10 and a transfer roller 51 positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10. When the sheet S, transported by the resist roller pair 44, reaches the image forming unit 5 and passes through the nip between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 51, a voltage is applied to the transfer roller 51 from the main body of the device 2, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the sheet S as an unfixed image. Subsequently, the sheet S with the transferred toner image is transported to a fixing device 6 equipped with a heating unit 61 and a pressure roller 62. As the sheet S passes through the nip between the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62, the unfixed image transferred on the sheet S is heated and pressurized and fixed to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet S with the fixed toner image is discharged to the output tray 8 via the sheet discharge unit 7.

[0015] (Fusing device) The specific configuration of the fixing device will be explained using Figures 3 to 5. As shown in Figure 3, the heating unit 61 of the fixing device 6 comprises a heater 611, a holder (heater holder) 612, a stay 613, and a belt (cylindrical fixing belt) 614. The heater 611 is a flat plate extending in the left-right direction and has a first surface 611a and a second surface 611b opposite to the first surface 611a, with the first surface 611a being supported by the holder 612. The longitudinal direction of the heater 611 is the left-right direction of the laser beam printer 1. The heater 611 is located in the internal space of the belt 614.

[0016] The holder 612 is made of a heat-resistant resin such as PPS or liquid crystal polymer, and has a guide surface 612a and a support wall 612b. The guide surface 612a contacts the inner circumferential surface 614a of the belt 614 to guide the belt 614, and the support wall 612b has a support surface 612b1 that supports the heater 611. The support surface 612b1 of the support wall 612b is in contact with the first surface 611a of the heater 611. The stay 613 is a member that supports the holder 612, and is formed by bending a plate material with greater rigidity than the holder 612, for example, a steel plate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, into a roughly U-shape.

[0017] The belt 614 is an endless belt (sometimes called a film) that is heat-resistant and flexible. For example, it may be made of a metal sleeve such as stainless steel coated with fluororesin, or made of laminated polyimide resin, silicone rubber, fluororesin, etc. Inside the belt 614 are a heater 611, a holder 612, and a stay 613, and the belt 614 is configured to rotate around these components. The inner circumferential surface 614a of the belt 614 is in contact with the second surface 611b of the heater 611.

[0018] (Pressurization mechanism) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pressure roller 62 has a metal shaft 62a and a rubber roller 62b made of an elastic material that covers the shaft 62a, and is pressed against the heater 611 via the belt 614. The pressure roller 62 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the belt 614 and together with the heater 611 via the belt 614 forms a fixing nip portion NP1 that grips and conveys the sheet S.

[0019] The pressure roller 62 is configured to rotate when a driving force is transmitted from a drive source provided by the image forming apparatus 1. As the pressure roller 62 rotates, the belt 614 rotates passively due to the frictional force between the pressure roller 62 and the sheet S held between the fixing nip section NP1. The sheet S is held and conveyed in the fixing nip section NP1 while being subjected to heat and pressure, and the toner image formed on the sheet S is fixed to the sheet S.

[0020] The fixing device 6 includes a lower frame 63 that supports the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62, and an upper frame 64 located above the lower frame 63 and covering the heating unit 61.

[0021] The upper frame 64 has an upper sheet guide 64a that guides the upper surface of the sheet S being conveyed along the conveying path P, downstream of the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62 in the sheet conveying direction. The lower frame 63 has a lower sheet guide 63a that guides the lower surface of the sheet S being conveyed along the conveying path P, downstream of the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62 in the sheet conveying direction.

[0022] The transport path P in the fixing device 6 extends in a direction roughly aligned with the front-to-back direction and inclins upward as it moves from front to back. In other words, the sheet transport direction in the fixing device 6 is roughly aligned with the front-to-back direction.

[0023] In this configuration, the lower frame 63 and the upper frame 64 are formed from non-conductive molded material.

[0024] The lower frame 63 supports the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62. The lower frame 63 has a pair of rails 63b at each of its longitudinal ends. The rails 63b support the holder 612 so that it is movable in the heater thickness direction via transmission members 617a, 617b that transmit pressure to the stay 613.

[0025] The rail 63b is a columnar portion extending from the main body 63c of the lower frame 63 in the direction of the heater thickness. The paired rails 63b each face each other in the direction of sheet transport. The opposing surfaces of the rails 63b engage with grooves 617a1 and 617b1 provided on the transmission members 617a and 617b, respectively. In this embodiment, the rail 63b is a columnar portion extending in the direction of the heater thickness, but it is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, as long as it is a shape that can support the holder 612 so that it can move in the direction of the heater thickness.

[0026] Furthermore, the pressure roller 62 is rotatably held by the lower frame 63 via bearings 62c and 62d at both longitudinal ends of a metal shaft 62a. At this time, the position of bearing 62c is determined when a protrusion 62c1 on bearing 62c fits into a recess 63d1 on the lower frame 63. Similarly, the position of bearing 62d is determined when a protrusion 62d1 on bearing 62d fits into a recess 63d2 on the lower frame 63. Bearing 62c is made of a conductive material.

[0027] In this configuration, the bearings 62c and 62d are provided with protrusions 62c1 and 62d1, and the lower frame 63 is provided with recesses 63d1 and 63d2, but the relationship between protrusions and recesses is not limited to this. Also, the means for fixing the bearings 62c and 62d to the lower frame 63 is not limited to a protrusion-recess shape.

[0028] In this embodiment, the pressure roller 62 is configured to include a shaft 62a and a rubber roller 62b, but it is not limited to this configuration, and can also be configured to include a pressure belt that is pressed against the heating roller by an elastic member.

[0029] (Pressure release mechanism) As shown in Figure 6, the fixing device 6 further includes a pressure release mechanism 67 for releasing the nip pressure in the nip portion NP1 between the heating unit 61 and the pressure roller 62. The pressure release mechanism 67 includes a camshaft 671 and a cam 672. The lower frame 63 supports the pressure spring 653 and rotatably supports the pressure arm 652 and the cam 672.

[0030] The cams 672 are located at each of the longitudinal ends of the lower frame 63. Since the structure of one side of the pressure release mechanism 67 in the longitudinal direction of the heater and the structure of the other side are substantially the same, the following description will mainly refer to the structure of one side in the longitudinal direction of the heater.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the camshaft 671 extends in the longitudinal direction of the heater. The camshaft 671 is made of, for example, metal. Cams 672 are fixed to each axial end of the camshaft 671. In other words, the cam 672 has the camshaft 671. The cam 672 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the camshaft 671. The lower frame 63 has support portions 63l that rotatably support the camshaft 671. The support portions 63l are located at one end and the other end of the lower frame 63 in the longitudinal direction of the heater. The support portions 63l have holes H that rotatably support the camshaft 671.

[0032] The upper frame 64 has grooves 64C that rotatably support the camshaft 671. The grooves 64C are located at one end and the other end of the upper frame 64 in the longitudinal direction of the heater. The camshaft 671 is held between the upper frame 64 and the lower frame 63.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, the camshaft 671 is supported so as to be rotatable about axis X2.

[0034] The cam 672 is capable of pressing the pressurizing arm 652 against the biasing force of the pressurizing spring 653. Specifically, the cam 672 is rotatable between a first pressurized position shown in Figure 6(a) and a second depressurized position shown in Figure 6(b).

[0035] (Fixing shutter) The fixing device 6 is equipped with a fixing shutter 804 as shown in Figure 7. This is to prevent electric shock, burns, and image defects caused by contamination that may occur when the user accesses the nip NP1, which consists of a heating unit 61 and a pressure roller 62.

[0036] The basic configuration of the fixed shutter 804 consists of a shutter link 803 and the fixed shutter 804. The shutter link 803 is supported coaxially with the camshaft 671 and rotates integrally with the camshaft 671 and cam 672.

[0037] The fixing shutter 804 is pivotably supported relative to the fixing device 6, and the shutter shaft 804a engages with the link hole 803a of the shutter link 803. The shutter link 803 may be composed of one part or multiple parts.

[0038] The pressure release mechanism and fixed shutter described above are linked to the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing door 21. This linkage with the opening / closing door 21 is achieved, for example, by connecting the opening / closing door 21 and the link shaft 803a with an intermediate link (not shown). In conjunction with the rotational operation of the opening / closing door 21, the shutter link 803 and the cam 672 rotate together with the camshaft 671 in the CW or CCW direction.

[0039] When the opening / closing door 21 is in the closed position, the fixing device 6 is pressurized (Figure 6(a)) and the fixing shutter 804 is in the open position. On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 21 is in the open position, the fixing device 6 is depressurized (Figure 6(b)) and the fixing shutter 804 is in the shielded position.

[0040] (Heater wiring) As shown in Figure 8, the heater 611 has a plate-shaped substrate 900, heating resistors 901a and 901b, conductors 902a to 902c, and electrodes 903a and 903b formed on the substrate 900. The substrate 900 is made of ceramic or stainless steel with an insulating coating.

[0041] One end of the conductor 902a is connected to the electrode 903a for the heating resistor, and the other end is connected to the heating resistor 901a. One end of the conductor 902b is connected to the heating resistor 901a, and the other end is connected to the heating resistor 901b. One end of the conductor 902c is connected to the heating resistor 901b, and the other end is connected to the electrode 903b for the heating resistor. Therefore, by supplying power between the electrodes 903a and 903b for the heating resistors, the heating elements 901a and 901b are heated simultaneously in this heater circuit configuration.

[0042] Power is supplied to the heater 611 via a connector 700, which is electrically connected to the heater 611, and cables (power supply cables) 201-202 connected to the connector 700. Cable 201 is connected to the connector 700 and the power supply unit 200. Cable 202 is connected from the connector 700 to the thermostat 613a. Cable 203 is connected to the thermostat 613a and the power supply unit 200. The thermostat 613a is a switch that cuts off the circuit when its temperature exceeds a threshold. The thermostat 613a is connected in series between the power supply unit 200 and the heater 611 and is positioned where it is heated by the heater 611. If the heater 611 reaches a temperature higher than a certain threshold for any reason, the thermostat 613a activates and cuts off the circuit between the heater 611 and the power supply unit 200. This prevents the temperature of the heater 611 from rising above the threshold.

[0043] (Description of connectors and connector caps) The connector (power supply connector) 700 and the connector cap 710 will be explained using Figures 1, 9 to 11.

[0044] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the fixing device 6, with Figure 1(a) being a right side view and Figure 1(b) being a perspective view. Figure 9 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700 and the connector cap 710 viewed from the front right, with Figure 9(a) showing the state before the connector 700 and connector cap 710 are attached, Figure 9(b) showing the state with the connector 700 attached to the holder 612, and Figure 9(c) showing the state with the connector 700 and connector cap 710 attached.

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700, and the connector cap 710, viewed from the right rear. Figure 10(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 710 before installation, Figure 10(b) shows the connector 700 installed on the holder 612, and Figure 10(c) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 710 installed.

[0046] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector 700 and connector cap 710 from below. Figure 11(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 710 before installation, and Figure 11(b) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 710 installed. The connector cap 710 is installed at the cable exit position of the connector 700.

[0047] (Description of the connector) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connector 700 is attached to one end of the holder 612 in the longitudinal direction, from one side in the short direction of the heater 611 to the other side. The width direction of the connector 700 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the heater 611 when the connector 700 is attached to the holder 612.

[0048] The connector 700 has a housing 701 and an arm portion 702 made from a non-conductive material such as resin, and a pair of contacts 703 housed in the housing 701 and made from a conductive material such as metal. A claw portion 704 is attached to the arm portion 702. When the connector 700 is installed, the contacts 703 make contact with electrodes 903a and 903b. This enables power to be supplied from the power supply unit 200 to the heating elements 901a and 901b via electrodes 903a and 903b.

[0049] The housing 701 is shaped to sandwich one longitudinal end of the holder 612 and one longitudinal end of the heater 611 when the connector 700 is mounted on the holder 612. The housing 701 has a first side surface 701a and a second side surface 701b that intersect the longitudinal direction of the holder 612, and a first extension portion 701c and a second extension portion 701d that extend from the first side surface 701a and the second side surface 701b toward the heater 611.

[0050] The arm portion 702 is located on one side of the housing 701 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the connector 700, and extends in the mounting direction of the connector 700. The arm portion 702 is provided near the center of the connector 700 in the width direction of the connector 700. One end of the arm portion 702 in the mounting direction is connected to the housing 701, and the other end is designed to be elastically flexible in a direction toward the housing 701.

[0051] The claw portion 704 is formed to protrude away from the housing 701 from the center of the arm portion 702 in the mounting direction. The upstream surface of the claw portion 704 in the mounting direction is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction, and the downstream surface in the mounting direction is an inclined surface that approaches the arm portion 702 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the mounting direction.

[0052] The holder 612 further includes a pair of wall portions 908, a connecting wall portion 909, and a connecting portion 910 that connects the pair of wall portions 908. The pair of wall portions 908, the connecting wall portion 909, and the connecting portion 910 are integrally formed at one end of the holder 612 in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The pair of wall portions 908 are a pair of walls facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the connector 700. The pair of wall portions 908 are provided so as to sandwich the connector 700 when the connector 700 is mounted on the holder 612. In the longitudinal direction of the heater 611, the distance between the pair of wall portions 908 is slightly greater than the width of the connector 700. The pair of wall portions 908 consists of a wall portion 908a located on one side in the longitudinal direction as one of the pair of wall portions 908, and a wall portion 908b located on the other side in the longitudinal direction as the other of the pair of wall portions 908.

[0054] The connecting wall portion 909 is a wall that connects the downstream ends of the pair of wall portions 908 (908a, 908b) in the mounting direction.

[0055] The connecting portion 910 is provided to connect the upstream ends of the pair of wall portions 908 in the mounting direction. In addition, a retaining portion 911 is provided near the center of the connecting portion 910, which functions as a retaining portion for the connector 700.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the connector 700 is mounted on the holder 612, the arm portion 702 elastically bends to move closer to the housing 701, and the claw portion 704 contacts the retaining portion 911 of the holder 612. At this time, the retaining portion 911 restricts the connector 700 from moving upstream in the mounting direction of the connector 700 by engaging with the claw portion 704.

[0057] Furthermore, the housing 701 is configured such that the first extension portion 701c clamps one longitudinal end of the heater 611, and the second extension portion 701d clamps one longitudinal end of the holder 612, via the contact 703.

[0058] (Description of connector cap) As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the connector cap 710 has a cover wall 711, a first wall 712, and a second wall 713 that form a U-shape, and a positioning portion 714.

[0059] The cover wall 711 covers the upstream side of the connector 700 in the mounting direction when the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700. As a result, the cover wall 711 covers the upstream side of the contact 703 in the mounting direction when the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700.

[0060] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover wall 711 has a first notch 715 and a second notch 716. The first notch 715 and the second notch 716 are notches through which cables 201 and 202, which are connected to the contacts 703 of the connector 700, pass. When viewed in the direction in which the connector 700 is attached to the heater 611, the first notch 715 and the second notch 716 have a U-shape that follows approximately half the circumference of the cables 201 and 202. The opening of the first notch 715 is located on the right side, and the opening of the second notch 716 is located on the left side. Cables 201 and 202 can be inserted into the notches 715 and 716, respectively, through their respective openings.

[0061] The first wall 712 extends from one end of the cover wall 711 in the direction perpendicular to it toward the downstream side in the mounting direction, and the second wall 713 extends from the other end of the cover wall 711 in the direction perpendicular to it toward the downstream side in the mounting direction. When the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700, the second wall 713 sandwiches the housing 701 of the connector 700 between itself and the first wall 712.

[0062] The first wall 712 has a pair of first engaging portions 712a and 712b. The first engaging portions 712a and 712b engage with the housing 701 of the connector 700, thereby restricting the movement of the connector cap 710 upstream in the mounting direction. The first wall 712 has an arm 712c extending downstream in the mounting direction from one end of the cover wall 711 in a direction perpendicular to it. The first engaging portion 712a protrudes from the tip of the arm 712c toward the right side of the connector 700, and the first engaging portion 712b protrudes from the tip of the arm 712c toward the left side of the connector 700.

[0063] The connector 700 has first ribs 706a and second ribs 706b that project outward in a perpendicular direction from the left and right ends of the upper surface 706 and extend in the mounting direction. The first ribs 706a and second ribs 706b extend from near the center of the housing 701 in the mounting direction to near the upstream end.

[0064] The first wall 712 restricts the movement of the connector cap 710 upstream in the mounting direction when the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700, by having the first engaging portion 712a engage with the first rib 706a and the first engaging portion 712b engage with the second rib 706b.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, the second wall 713 has a second engaging portion 713a. The second engaging portion 713a engages with the housing 701 of the connector 700, thereby restricting the movement of the connector cap 710 upstream in the mounting direction. The second wall 713 has a pair of extensions 713b extending downstream in the mounting direction from the other end of the cover wall 711 in a direction perpendicular to it. The pair of extensions 713b are spaced apart in the width direction of the connector 700. The second engaging portion 713a is provided to connect the tips of the pair of extensions 713b. The second wall 713 has a substantially U-shape with its downstream end in the mounting direction closed.

[0066] The connector 700 has a second claw portion 707a that protrudes downward from near the center of the lower surface 707 in the mounting direction. The second claw portion 707a has a surface on the downstream side in the mounting direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction, and a surface on the upstream side in the mounting direction that is inclined so that it moves away from the lower surface 707 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the mounting direction. The second wall 713 restricts the movement of the connector cap 710 upstream in the mounting direction by the engagement of the second engaging portion 713a with the second claw portion 707a when the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700. The connector cap 710 is elastically attached to the housing 701 by an elastic snap fit of a pair of extensions 713b.

[0067] The connector cap 710 is made of a heat-resistant resin such as PA66 (polyamide resin) or LCP (liquid crystal polymer). Because heat-resistant resins are relatively hard, they do not easily undergo elastic deformation. Therefore, in order to ensure that the first wall 712 and the second wall 713 can be easily elastically deformed when the connector cap 710 is attached to the connector 700, in this embodiment, the first wall 712 and the second wall 713 are formed in a plate shape and their length in the mounting direction is made sufficiently long.

[0068] (effect) According to Embodiment 1 described above, with cables 201 and 202 connected to the connector 700, the cables 201 and 202 can be passed through the first notch 715 and the second notch 716 of the connector cap 710, respectively. Therefore, after mounting the connector 700 to the holder 612, the connector cap 710 can be attached to the connector 700.

[0069] The openings of the first notch 715 and the second notch 716 were positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, but for example, the openings could be positioned downwards. Also, although there were two notches, the first notch 715 and the second notch 716, through which the cables 201 and 202 pass, the notches could be combined into a single notch for the cables 201 and 202 to pass through.

[0070] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described using Figures 12 to 15. The description of the configuration and functions, which are the same as in Example 1, will be omitted, and only the distinctive features of this example will be described.

[0071] Figure 12 is a view of the fixing device 6 according to Embodiment 2 from the right side, with Figure 12(a) being a right side view and Figure 12(b) being a perspective view. Figure 13 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700 and the connector cap 720 from the front right side, with Figure 13(a) showing the state before the connector 700 and connector cap 720 are attached, Figure 13(b) showing the state with the connector 700 attached to the holder 612, and Figure 13(c) showing the state with the connector 700 and connector cap 720 attached.

[0072] Figure 14 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700, and the connector cap 720, viewed from the right rear. Figure 14(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 720 before installation, Figure 14(b) shows the connector 700 installed on the holder 612, and Figure 14(c) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 720 installed.

[0073] Figure 15 is a perspective view from below of one end of the holder 612 in the longitudinal direction, the connector 700, and the connector cap 720. Figure 15(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 720 before installation, Figure 15(b) shows the connector 700 installed on the holder 612, and Figure 15(c) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 720 installed.

[0074] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the connector cap 720 is provided with a first guide portion 727 and a second guide portion 728 that protrude from the first notch 725 and the second notch 726 in the opposite direction from the mounting direction. The first guide portion 727 has the function of guiding the cable 201, and the second guide portion 728 has the function of guiding the cable 202. Thus, the connector cap 720 is provided with guide portions 727 and 728 that guide the cables 201 and 202. The guide portions 727 and 728 protrude from the portions that form the notches 725 and 726 in a direction away from the contact 703.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7 and 12, above the connector cap 720 and cables 201 and 202 are movable parts such as the shutter link 803 and the link shaft 803a. The presence of the first guide portion 727 and the second guide portion 728 prevents the cables 201 and 202 from coming into contact with the movable parts (shutter link 803 and link shaft 803a).

[0076] (Example 3) Next, Example 3 will be described using Figures 16 to 19. The explanation of the configuration and functions, which are the same as in Examples 1 and 2, will be omitted, and only the distinctive features of this example will be described.

[0077] Figure 16 is a view of the fixing device 6 according to Embodiment 3 from the right side, with Figure 16(a) being a right side view and Figure 16(b) being a perspective view. Figure 17 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700 and the connector cap 730 from the front right side, with Figure 17(a) showing the state before the connector 700 and connector cap 730 are attached, Figure 17(b) showing the state with the connector 700 attached to the holder 612, and Figure 17(c) showing the state with the connector 700 and connector cap 730 attached.

[0078] Figure 18 is a perspective view of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700, and the connector cap 730, viewed from the right rear. Figure 18(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 730 before installation, Figure 18(b) shows the connector 700 installed on the holder 612, and Figure 18(c) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 730 installed.

[0079] Figure 19 is a perspective view from below of one longitudinal end of the holder 612, the connector 700, and the connector cap 730. Figure 19(a) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 730 before installation, Figure 19(b) shows the connector 700 installed on the holder 612, and Figure 19(c) shows the connector 700 and connector cap 730 installed.

[0080] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the connector cap 730 is provided with a first guide portion 737 and a second guide portion 738 that protrude from the first notch 735 and the second notch 736 on the opposite side from the mounting direction.

[0081] The first guide section 737 has the function of guiding cable 201, and the second guide section 738 has the function of guiding cable 202. A third guide section 739 is provided to the left of the second guide section 738 of the connector cap 730. Furthermore, a fourth guide section 739a is provided below the third guide section 739. The third guide section 739 and the fourth guide section 739a have the function of guiding cable 203.

[0082] As shown in Figures 7 and 16, above the connector cap 730 and cables 201, 202, and 203 are movable parts such as the shutter link 803 and the link shaft 803a. The presence of the first guide section 737, the second guide section 738, the third guide section 739, and the fourth guide section 739a prevents the cables 201, 202, and 203 from coming into contact with the movable parts (shutter link 803 and link shaft 803a).

[0083] This disclosure includes at least the following:

[0084] (Composition 1) A cylindrical fixing belt, A heater comprising a plate-shaped substrate, a heating resistor provided on the substrate, and an electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor and provided at the end of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, wherein the heater is disposed in the internal space of the fixing belt, A heater holder is disposed within the internal space of the fixing belt and holds the heater along its longitudinal direction, A power supply connector for supplying power to the heater, comprising: a conductive contact that contacts the electrode; a housing that houses the contact; and a power supply cable connected to the contact; A fixing device having a fixing belt, which fixes a toner image formed on a recording material to the recording material using the heat of the heater via the fixing belt, The connector has a connector cap attached to the cable exit position of the power supply connector, The fixing device is characterized in that the connector cap is provided with a notch through which the power supply cable passes, and the power supply cable can be inserted into the notch through the opening of the notch.

[0085] (Configuration 2) The fixing device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the notch is U-shaped when viewed in the direction in which the power supply connector is attached to the heater.

[0086] (Composition 3) The fixing device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the connector cap is provided with a guide portion for guiding the power supply cable, the guide portion protruding in a direction away from the contact from the portion forming the notch.

[0087] (Composition 4) The fixing device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the connector cap is elastically attached to the housing by a snap fit.

[0088] (Composition 5) The fixing device according to configuration 1, further comprising a pressure roller that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt and forms a fixing nip portion that grips and conveys the recording material together with the heater via the fixing belt. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 6. Fixing device 201-203 Cable 611 Heater 612 Holder 700 connector 710, 720, 730 Connector Caps 715, 725, 735 First notch 716, 726, 736 Second notch 727, 737 First Guide Section 728, 738 Second Guide Section 739 Third Guide Section 739a Section 4 of the guide

Claims

1. A cylindrical fixing belt, A heater comprising a plate-shaped substrate, a heating resistor provided on the substrate, and an electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor and provided at the end of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, wherein the heater is disposed in the internal space of the fixing belt, A heater holder is disposed within the internal space of the fixing belt and holds the heater along its longitudinal direction, A power supply connector for supplying power to the heater, comprising: a conductive contact that contacts the electrode; a housing that houses the contact; and a power supply cable connected to the contact; A fixing device having a fixing belt, which fixes a toner image formed on a recording material to the recording material using the heat of the heater via the fixing belt, The connector has a connector cap attached to the cable exit position of the power supply connector, The fixing device is characterized in that the connector cap is provided with a notch through which the power supply cable passes, and the power supply cable can be inserted into the notch through the opening of the notch.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notch is U-shaped when viewed in the direction in which the power supply connector is attached to the heater.

3. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector cap is provided with a guide portion for guiding the power supply cable, the guide portion protruding in a direction away from the contact from the portion forming the notch.

4. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector cap is elastically attached to the housing by a snap fit.

5. The fixing device further comprises a pressure roller that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt and forms a fixing nip portion that grips and conveys the recording material together with the heater via the fixing belt, as described in claim 1.

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