Fixing device and image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides a fixing device and an image forming apparatus. The fixing device comprises: a heat source; a support portion that supports the heat source; an adhesive layer that secures the heat source to the support portion; and a heat transfer member that is disposed at a location other than between the adhesive layer and the heat source and transfers heat from a portion of the heat source to another portion of the heat source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-1300 discloses a structure in which at least one longitudinal location between a longitudinal side surface of a heater and an inner wall surface of a heater support member is bonded with an adhesive as a bonding location.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-102429 discloses a heating device including a ceramic heater, a graphite sheet as a planar thermally anisotropic member in contact with the ceramic heater, and a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the ceramic heater.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-314036 discloses a heating device as described below: that is, the heating device presses a heat-resistant film against a heating member through a pressure-applying member to cause the heat-resistant film to move forward, sandwiches a transfer material in a bite portion between the heat-resistant film and the pressure-applying member, and imparts heat from the heating body to the transfer material by causing the transfer material to move together with the heat-resistant film. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In most fixing devices, a heat source is provided, and preferably the heat source is fixed relative to a support portion that supports the heat source. In addition, in most fixing devices, a heat transfer member that transfers heat from a portion of the heat source to another portion of the heat source is provided.

[0006] One approach to securing the heat source is to bond the support to a heat transfer component, thereby securing the heat source to the support. However, this approach restricts the movement of the heat transfer component due to the adhesive, while the heat source undergoes thermal expansion. This makes it difficult to secure the heat transfer component to the heat source and to secure the heat source relative to the support.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat transfer member that transfers heat from a portion of a heat source to another portion while enabling the heat source to be fixed to a support portion.

[0008] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a fixing device is provided, which includes: a heat source; a support portion that supports the heat source; an adhesive layer that fixes the heat source and the support portion; and a heat transfer component that is arranged at a position other than between the adhesive layer and the heat source and transfers heat from a portion of the heat source to other portions of the heat source.

[0009] According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat transfer component is arranged on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided, a through hole is formed in the heat transfer component, the adhesive layer is arranged in the through hole, and the heat source and the support part are fixed by the adhesive layer in the through hole.

[0010] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the through holes are provided, and the plurality of through holes are arranged so that positions in the longitudinal direction of the heat source are different from each other.

[0011] According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat transfer component is arranged on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided. A notch is formed in the heat transfer component, and the adhesive layer is arranged in the notch. The heat source and the support portion are fixed by the adhesive layer in the notch.

[0012] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the notches are provided, and the plurality of notches are arranged so as to have positions in the longitudinal direction of the heat source that are different from each other.

[0013] According to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the notch is formed on the outer periphery of the heat transfer component, and no through hole and the notch are provided in a strip area of ​​the heat transfer component extending along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer component and located in the central part in the short side direction of the heat transfer component.

[0014] According to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat transfer component is arranged on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided, and is arranged within the range from one end side to the other end side in the length direction of the heat source, and reaches the other end side by passing through a portion other than the portion where the adhesive layer is provided with the one end side as the starting point.

[0015] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the heat transfer member is provided so as to pass beside the adhesive layer and reach the other end portion.

[0016] According to the 9th embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat source has an opposing surface opposite to the support portion, and an opposite surface located on the opposite side of the opposing surface, the adhesive layer is arranged between the opposing surface of the heat source and the support portion, and the heat transfer component is arranged on the opposite surface side of the heat source.

[0017] According to the 10th embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat source has an opposing surface opposite to the supporting portion, an opposite surface located on the opposite side of the opposing surface, and a side surface connecting the opposing surface and the opposite surface, the adhesive layer is arranged between the opposing surface of the heat source and the supporting portion, and the heat transfer component is arranged at a position opposite to the side surface of the heat source.

[0018] According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the adhesive layer is not in contact with the heat transfer member.

[0019] According to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of adhesive layers are provided, and gaps are provided between adjacent adhesive layers.

[0020] According to the 13th aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of adhesive layers are arranged in one direction.

[0021] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the heat source is arranged so as to extend in one direction, and the end portion of the heat source in the short-side direction and the support portion are fixed by the adhesive layer.

[0022] According to the 15th embodiment of the present disclosure, an image forming device is provided, wherein the image forming device comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; and a fixing device that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit on the recording material, the fixing device being configured to include the fixing device described in any one of the 1st to 14th embodiments.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the first aspect, the heat source can be fixed to the support portion while the heat transfer member that transfers heat from a portion of the heat source to the other portion is provided.

[0025] According to the second aspect, the heat source can be fixed to the support portion while the heat transfer member is provided on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided.

[0026] According to the third aspect, a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the heat source can be fixed to the support portion.

[0027] According to the fourth aspect, the heat source can be fixed to the support portion while the heat transfer member is provided on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided.

[0028] According to the fifth aspect, a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the heat source can be fixed to the support portion.

[0029] According to the sixth aspect, it is easy to ensure an area for installing a temperature sensor or the like at a facing position in the center portion of the heat transfer member in the short-side direction.

[0030] According to the seventh aspect, the heat transfer member can be provided on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided and in a range from one end to the other end of the heat source while avoiding interference between the heat transfer member and the adhesive layer.

[0031] According to the eighth aspect, the heat transfer member is provided on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided and in a range from one end to the other end of the heat source while avoiding interference between the heat transfer member and the adhesive layer.

[0032] According to the ninth aspect, a larger heat transfer member can be provided compared to the case where the heat transfer member is provided on the side of the surface facing the heat source.

[0033] According to the tenth aspect, heat from a portion of the heat source can be transferred to another portion of the heat source without providing the heat transfer member on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided.

[0034] According to the eleventh aspect, compared with a case where the adhesive layer is in contact with the heat transfer member, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer member from being restricted by the adhesive layer.

[0035] According to the twelfth aspect, compared with a case where the adhesive layer is continuously provided along the longitudinal direction of the heat source, the amount of expansion of the adhesive layer when the adhesive layer expands due to thermal expansion of the heat source can be suppressed.

[0036] According to the thirteenth aspect, compared with a case where a plurality of adhesive layers are not arranged in one direction, workability when applying the adhesive constituting the base of the adhesive layer can be improved.

[0037] According to the fourteenth embodiment, compared with the case where the center portion of the heat source in the short side direction and the support portion are fixed by an adhesive layer, it is easy to ensure space for setting the heat transfer component and the temperature sensor at the opposing positions in the center portion in the short side direction of the heat source.

[0038] According to the fifteenth aspect, the heat source can be fixed to the support portion while the heat transfer member that transfers heat from a portion of the heat source to the other portion is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of an image forming apparatus.

[0040] Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 (B) is a diagram for explaining the structure of the fixing device.

[0041] Figure 3 It is from Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the case where the heat transfer member, adhesive layer, etc. are viewed in the direction of arrow III in (B).

[0042] Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (B) is a comparative example of a fixing device, and is a diagram showing a portion where a support portion, a heat source, an adhesive layer, and a heat transfer member are provided.

[0043] Figure 5 (A) Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing the state of the adhesive layer when thermally expanded by a heat source.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side (front surface side) of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0051] The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called tandem color printer.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming portion 10 as an example of an image forming unit. The image forming portion 10 forms an image on a sheet of paper P as an example of a recording material based on image data of each color.

[0053] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a control unit 30 and an image processing unit 35 .

[0054] The control unit 30 controls each functional unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0055] The image processing unit 35 performs image processing on image data from the personal computer (PC) 3 , the image reading device 4 , and the like.

[0056] The image forming section 10 includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image forming units 11 ”) arranged in parallel with predetermined intervals therebetween.

[0057] Each image forming unit 11 has the same configuration except for the toner stored in the developing device 15 (described later). Each image forming unit 11 forms a toner image (image) of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0058] Each image forming unit 11 is provided with a photoconductive drum 12 , a charger 200 for charging the photoconductive drum 12 , and an LED print head (LPH) 300 for exposing the photoconductive drum 12 .

[0059] The photoconductive drum 12 is charged by the charger 200 . Furthermore, the photoconductive drum 12 is exposed by the LPH 300 , and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductive drum 12 .

[0060] Furthermore, each image forming unit 11 is provided with a developing device 15 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 and a cleaner (not shown) for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 .

[0061] The image forming section 10 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 20 to which the toner images of the respective colors formed by the photosensitive drums 12 are transferred, and a primary transfer roller 21 for sequentially transferring (primarily transferring) the toner images of the respective colors formed by the photosensitive drums 12 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 .

[0062] The image forming section 10 also includes a secondary transfer roller 22 that transfers (secondarily transfers) the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto the paper P, and a fixing device 40 that fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P.

[0063] The fixing device 40 is provided with a fixing belt module 41 having a heat source and a pressure roller 46 .

[0064] The fixing belt module 41 is arranged on the left side of the paper conveyance path R1 in the figure. The pressure roller 46 is arranged on the right side of the paper conveyance path R1 in the figure. The pressure roller 46 is pressed against the fixing belt module 41.

[0065] The fixing belt module 41 includes a film-shaped fixing belt 411 that comes into contact with the paper P.

[0066] The fixing belt 411 , an example of a belt member, is composed of, for example, a release layer located on the outermost layer and in contact with the paper P, an elastic layer located one inner side of the release layer, and a base layer supporting the elastic layer. The fixing belt 411 is formed in an endless shape and circulates counterclockwise in the figure.

[0067] The fixing belt 411 contacts the paper P conveyed from below in the figure. The portion of the fixing belt 411 in contact with the paper P moves together with the paper P. The fixing belt 411 and the pressure roller 46 sandwich the paper P, applying pressure and heat to the paper P.

[0068] Furthermore, in the fixing belt module 41 , a heat source (described later) for heating the fixing belt 411 is provided inside the fixing belt 411 .

[0069] A pressure roller 46, an example of a pressure member, is located on the right side of the paper transport path R1 in the figure. The pressure roller 46 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 411B of the fixing belt 411 to apply pressure to the paper P passing between the fixing belt 411 and the pressure roller 46 (the paper P passing through the paper transport path R1).

[0070] The pressure roller 46 is rotated clockwise in the figure by a motor (not shown). When the pressure roller 46 rotates clockwise, the fixing belt 411 receives a driving force from the pressure roller 46 and rotates counterclockwise.

[0071] In the image forming apparatus 1 , the image processing unit 35 performs image processing on image data from the PC 3 and the image reading device 4 , and the processed image data is supplied to each image forming unit 11 .

[0072] Furthermore, for example, in the black (K) image forming unit 11K, the photosensitive drum 12 is charged by the charger 200 while rotating in the direction of arrow A and is exposed by the LPH 300 that emits light based on image data sent from the image processing unit 35 .

[0073] As a result, an electrostatic latent image related to a black (K) image is formed on the photosensitive drum 12. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is developed by the developing device 15, and a black (K) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 12.

[0074] Similarly, in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are formed.

[0075] The toner images of the respective colors formed by the image forming units 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted by the primary transfer rollers 21 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 moving in the direction of arrow B, whereby toner images superimposed with the toners of the respective colors are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 .

[0076] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transported to the location of the secondary transfer roller 22 (secondary transfer section T) as the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves. In sync with the timing at which the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section T, paper P is supplied from the paper storage section 1B to the secondary transfer section T.

[0077] In the secondary transfer portion T, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is electrostatically transferred onto the conveyed paper P by a transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roller 22 .

[0078] Thereafter, the paper P to which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 20 and transported to the fixing device 40 .

[0079] In the fixing device 40 , the paper P is sandwiched between the fixing belt module 41 and the pressure roller 46 . Specifically, the paper P is sandwiched between the fixing belt 411 that circulates counterclockwise and the pressure roller 46 that rotates clockwise.

[0080] As a result, pressure and heat are applied to the paper P, and the toner image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P. After the fixing, the paper P is conveyed to the paper stacking portion 1E by the discharge rollers 500 .

[0081] Figure 2 (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the structure of the fixing device 40.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the fixing device 40 is provided with a fixing belt module 41 and a pressure roller 46 .

[0083] The fixing belt module 41 is provided with a fixing belt 411 for fixing the toner image to the paper P. The fixing belt 411 is pressed against the surface of the paper P on which the toner image is formed.

[0084] The pressure roller 46 , which is an example of a pressure member, is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 411B of the fixing belt 411 , and applies pressure to the paper P passing between the fixing belt 411 and the pressure roller 46 .

[0085] Specifically, the pressure roller 46 is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface 411B of the fixing belt 411 , and a nip N, which is an area through which the paper P passes while being pressurized, is formed between the pressure roller 46 and the fixing belt 411 .

[0086] In the present embodiment, while the paper P passes through the nip N, the paper P is heated and pressurized, and the toner image is fixed to the paper P.

[0087] A heat source 413 for heating the fixing belt 411 is provided inside the fixing belt 411 .

[0088] Furthermore, a support member 440 that supports the heat source 413 is provided inside the fixing belt 411 . The support member 440 includes a support portion 441 that supports the heat source 413 .

[0089] The heat source 413 is formed in a plate shape and is provided along the moving direction of the fixing belt 411 and the width direction of the fixing belt 411 .

[0090] More specifically, the heat source 413 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front, and is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the width direction of the fixing belt 411. Here, the width direction of the fixing belt 411 is synonymous with the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the fixing belt 411.

[0091] In this embodiment, heat is supplied from the heat source 413 to the fixing belt 411 , thereby heating the fixing belt 411 .

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2(B), the heat source 413 includes an opposing surface 413A opposing the support portion 441, an opposing surface 413B located opposite to the opposing surface 413A, and a side surface 413C connecting the opposing surface 413A and the opposing surface 413B.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the pressure roller 46 is pressed against the heat source 413 via the fixing belt 411 .

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 4A , the support member 440 is provided with an upstream guide portion 445 and a downstream guide portion 446 .

[0095] The upstream guide portion 445 is located upstream of the heat source 413 in the rotational direction (movement direction) of the fixing belt 411. The upstream guide portion 445 contacts and guides the portion of the fixing belt 411 located upstream of the heat source 413.

[0096] The downstream guide portion 446 is located downstream of the heat source 413 in the rotation direction of the fixing belt 411 .

[0097] The downstream guide portion 446 comes into contact with a portion of the fixing belt 411 located downstream of the heat source 413 , and guides the portion located downstream.

[0098] Furthermore, a support frame 490 as an internal component is provided in the fixing belt module 41. The support frame 490 is arranged inside the fixing belt 411 and supports components arranged inside the fixing belt 411.

[0099] Specifically, the support frame 490 supports the support member 440 , the heat source 413 , and the like that are arranged inside the fixing belt 411 .

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5A , an adhesive layer 480 for fixing the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 is provided. In the present embodiment, the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 are fixed by the adhesive layer 480 .

[0101] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a heat transfer member 560 is provided which is arranged in contact with the heat source 413 and transfers heat from a portion of the heat source 413 to another portion of the heat source 413 .

[0102] The heat transfer member 560 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper, a graphite sheet, or the like.

[0103] In the fixing device 40 , the temperature of the ends of the heat source 413 in the longitudinal direction is sometimes higher than the temperature of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413 . The heat transfer member 560 supplies the heat of the ends to the center portion, thereby achieving uniform temperature of the heat source 413 .

[0104] More specifically, in the fixing device 40, when continuously conveying paper P with a smaller width, the heat in the center of the heat source 413 in the longitudinal direction is taken away, and sometimes the temperature of the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413 is higher than the temperature of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413.

[0105] The heat transfer member 560 supplies the heat from the end portion to the center portion, thereby achieving uniform temperature of the heat source 413. In other words, the temperature variation of the heat source 413 is reduced.

[0106] The heat transfer member 560 is disposed on the side of the heat source 413 where the adhesive layer 480 is provided. In other words, the heat transfer member 560 is disposed on the side of the plate-shaped heat source 413 where the adhesive layer 480 is provided and on the side opposite to the side where the adhesive layer 480 is provided.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat transfer member 560 is disposed at a location other than between the adhesive layer 480 and the heat source 413 . In other words, the heat transfer member 560 is disposed at a location different from that between the adhesive layer 480 and the heat source 413 .

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, grease, adhesive, or double-sided tape is placed between the heat transfer member 560 and the heat source 413. This facilitates heat transfer from the heat source 413 to the heat transfer member 560, and also facilitates heat transfer from the heat transfer member 560 to the heat source 413. Furthermore, the heat transfer member 560 is less likely to move relative to the heat source 413.

[0109] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5(B) , the support portion 441 is provided with pressed portions 441C against which both ends of the heat transfer member 560 in the short side direction are pressed. The pressed portions 441C position the heat transfer member 560 in the thickness direction.

[0110] Figure 2 (B) is a diagram illustrating an assembling process of the fixing device 40 .

[0111] In this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 2D, first, the heat transfer member 560 is pressed against the support member 440 , and an adhesive is applied to the support portion 441 .

[0112] Then, as shown by arrow 2E, heat source 413 is pressed against heat transfer member 560, thereby setting heat source 413. When heat source 413 is set, heat source 413 is pressed against heat transfer member 560, and heat transfer member 560 is pressed against pressed portion 441C.

[0113] Furthermore, thereafter, the adhesive between the support portion 441 and the heat source 413 is cured to form the adhesive layer 480 , thereby fixing the support portion 441 and the heat source 413 .

[0114] Figure 3 It is from Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the case where the heat transfer member 560 , the adhesive layer 480 , etc. are viewed in the direction of arrow III in (B) .

[0115] In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 560 is arranged so as to extend in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the moving direction of the fixing belt 411 . Furthermore, the heat transfer member 560 is arranged so as to extend in the width direction of the fixing belt 411 .

[0116] More specifically, the heat transfer member 560 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is arranged such that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the width direction of the fixing belt 411 .

[0117] Furthermore, a circular through-hole 561 is formed in the heat transfer member 560. A plurality of through-holes 561 are provided. Furthermore, the through-holes 561 are arranged so that the positions of the heat transfer member 560 and the heat source 413 in the longitudinal direction are different from each other. While circular through-holes 561 are illustrated in this embodiment, the through-holes 561 may also be in other shapes, such as polygonal or elliptical.

[0118] Furthermore, the through holes 561 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 560 and the heat source 413. In addition, the through holes 561 are arranged in a straight line along one direction.

[0119] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 480 is disposed in the through-hole 561 , and the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 are fixed to each other by the adhesive layer 480 in the through-hole 561 .

[0120] Here, in this embodiment, five adhesive layers 480 , namely, a first adhesive layer 481 to a fifth adhesive layer 485 , are provided as the adhesive layer 480 .

[0121] In the present embodiment, the first adhesive layer 481 to the fifth adhesive layer 485 are arranged in the order of the first adhesive layer 481 , the second adhesive layer 482 , the third adhesive layer 483 , the fourth adhesive layer 484 , and the fifth adhesive layer 485 .

[0122] In addition, in the present embodiment, gaps G are provided between the adjacent adhesive layers 480 , and a total of four gaps G are provided. However, the sizes of the four gaps G are equal to each other.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third adhesive layer 483 is located in the longitudinal center of the heat source 413 , and a plurality of adhesive layers 480 are provided in a state of being distributed left and right around the longitudinal center of the heat source 413 .

[0124] Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (B) is a comparative example of the fixing device 40 , and is a diagram showing a portion where the support portion 441 , the heat source 413 , the adhesive layer 480 , and the heat transfer member 560 are provided.

[0125] In this comparative example, Figure 4 As shown in (A), a heat transfer member 560 is disposed between the adhesive layer 480 and the heat source 413. In this comparative example, the support portion 441 and the heat source 413 are fixed by the heat transfer member 560. In this comparative example, the heat source 413 and the heat transfer member 560 are bonded.

[0126] Here, in this comparative example, the heat source 413 adhered to the heat transfer member 560 is easily separated from the heat transfer member 560 , and the support of the heat source 413 is likely to become unstable.

[0127] More specifically, in this comparative example, Figure 4 As shown in (B), the heat source 413 stretches due to thermal expansion, while the movement of the heat transfer member 560 is restricted by the adhesive layer 480, the heat source 413 is easily peeled off from the heat transfer member 560, and the support of the heat source 413 is easily unstable.

[0128] In contrast, in this embodiment, Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5(B) , the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 are directly fixed to each other via the adhesive layer 480. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 480 is not in contact with the heat transfer member 560.

[0129] Therefore, in this embodiment, compared with the above-described comparative example in which the heat source 413 is fixed to the support portion 441 via the heat transfer member 560 , the heat source 413 is fixed to the support portion 441 more stably.

[0130] In addition, as another method, for example, it is also possible to consider not providing the adhesive layer 480, and using the pressure applied to the heat source 413 from the pressure roller 46 to push the heat transfer component 560 and the heat source 413 against the support portion 441, thereby fixing the heat transfer component 560 and the heat source 413 relative to the support portion 441.

[0131] In the case of this embodiment, as long as the pressure roller 46 is pressed toward the heat source 413 , the heat transfer member 560 and the heat source 413 can be stably fixed to the support portion 441 .

[0132] However, in this embodiment, when the pressure roller 46 retreats from the heat source 413 , positional deviation of the heat source 413 , the heat transfer member 560 , and the like is likely to occur.

[0133] Furthermore, the fixing device 40 may have a function of retracting the pressure roller 46. When the pressure roller 46 retracts, the pressure acting on the heat source 413 decreases, which may easily cause positional deviation of the heat source 413, the heat transfer member 560, and the like.

[0134] When the heat source 413, heat transfer component 560, etc. are misaligned, the pressure roller 46 may be moved in and out relative to the heat source 413 side, and this misalignment may occur. In this case, the components may be damaged or the fixing performance may be reduced.

[0135] In contrast, in the configuration of this embodiment, even if the pressure roller 46 is retracted, the heat source 413 and the heat transfer member 560 are unlikely to be displaced, and thus component damage and degradation of fixing performance are unlikely to occur.

[0136] Furthermore, the thickness of the adhesive layer 480 is preferably 0.1 mm or more.

[0137] When the thickness of the adhesive layer 480 is set to 0.1 mm or more, Figure 5 (A) (Diagram showing the state of the adhesive layer 480 when the heat source 413 thermally expands) Figure 5 As shown in (B), even if the heat source 413 thermally expands, the adhesive layer 480 will deform, and the adhesive layer 480 will easily deform to follow the heat source 413.

[0138] In addition, when the heat source 413 is energized, the heat source 413 stretches in the longitudinal direction. However, when the thickness of the adhesive layer 480 is less than 0.1 mm, the adhesive layer 480 is difficult to follow the heat source 413 when the heat source 413 stretches in the longitudinal direction, and the adhesive layer 480 is likely to peel off from the heat source 413.

[0139] In contrast, when the thickness of the adhesive layer 480 is set to 0.1 mm or more, the adhesive layer 480 easily follows the heat source 413 , and the adhesive layer 480 is less likely to be peeled off from the heat source 413 .

[0140] Figure 6 40 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device 40. Figure 6 , a state in which the heat source 413 is provided immediately before the support portion 441 is shown.

[0141] In this configuration example, similarly to the above, the heat transfer member 560 is disposed on the side of the heat source 413 where the adhesive layer 480 is provided.

[0142] Furthermore, in this structural example, a notch 563 is formed in the outer peripheral edge 560A of the heat transfer member 560. Furthermore, in this structural example, an adhesive layer 480 is disposed within the notch 563, securing the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 to each other via the adhesive layer 480 within the notch 563. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 563 is rectangular, but this is not limiting and may be a semicircular, triangular, or other shape other than rectangular.

[0143] In addition, in this structural example, a plurality of notches 563 are provided.

[0144] The plurality of notches 563 are arranged so that the positions in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 560 and the heat source 413 are different from each other.

[0145] Furthermore, the heat transfer member 560 has a first long side 560C and a second long side 560D, and notches 563 are provided on both the first long side 560C and the second long side 560D.

[0146] Furthermore, when compared with the position in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 560 , the position of the notch 563 provided on the first long side 560C and the position of the notch 563 provided on the second long side 560D coincide with each other.

[0147] Furthermore, in this configuration example, the heat source 413 is arranged so as to extend in one direction, and the end portion of the heat source 413 in the short-side direction and the support portion 441 are fixed by the adhesive layer 480 .

[0148] More specifically, the heat source 413 has one end 413E and the other end 413F at different positions in the short side direction. However, in this embodiment, the one end 413E and the other end 413F of the heat source 413 are fixed to the support portion 441 via an adhesive layer 480 .

[0149] Furthermore, in this configuration example, five adhesive layers 480 , namely, the first adhesive layer 481 to the fifth adhesive layer 485 , are provided at respective opposing positions of the one end portion 413E and the other end portion 413F in the short-side direction of the heat source 413 .

[0150] The first adhesive layer 481 to the fifth adhesive layer 485 are arranged in the order of the first adhesive layer 481 , the second adhesive layer 482 , the third adhesive layer 483 , the fourth adhesive layer 484 , and the fifth adhesive layer 485 .

[0151] In this embodiment, gaps G are provided between the adhesive layers 480 constituting the first to fifth adhesive layers 481 to 485, and a total of four gaps G are provided in the areas where the first to fifth adhesive layers 481 to 485 are provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four gaps G are of equal size.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third adhesive layer 483 is located in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413, and the first adhesive layer 481 to the fifth adhesive layer 485 are arranged in a state distributed left and right (in the figure, in the up and down direction) with the central part in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413 as the center.

[0153] Furthermore, in this configuration example, the through hole 561 and the notch 563 are not provided in the portion of the heat transfer member 560 located in the center in the short-side direction.

[0154] In this structural example, the notches 563 are provided at one end 560E and the other end 560F in the short-side direction of the heat transfer member 560 , but no through-hole or notch is provided in the central portion of the heat transfer member 560 in the short-side direction.

[0155] More specifically, a region 560X indicated by reference numeral 6X in the heat transfer member 560 is not provided with a through hole or a notch.

[0156] More specifically, in the heat transfer member 560 , no through-holes or notches are provided in a strip region 560X extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member 560 and located in the center portion in the short-side direction of the heat transfer member 560 .

[0157] In the fixing device 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, it is also assumed that the temperature sensor 6Z is provided behind the heat transfer member 560 (on the side opposite to the heat source 413 across the heat transfer member 560).

[0158] As in the present embodiment, when neither the through hole 561 nor the notch 563 exists in the strip-shaped region 560X located in the center in the short-side direction of the heat transfer member 560 , installation of the temperature sensor 6Z is facilitated.

[0159] Figure 7 4 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device 40. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the portion where the heat source 413, the adhesive layer 480, and the heat transfer member 560 are provided as viewed from the support portion 441 side. Figure 7 In the figure, the support portion 441 is omitted.

[0160] In this structural example, a plurality of adhesive layers 480 are provided, and the adhesive layers 480 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413 .

[0161] The plurality of adhesive layers 480 are arranged in one direction. In this configuration example, gaps G are provided between the adjacent adhesive layers 480 as described above.

[0162] Furthermore, in this configuration example, a first heat transfer member 565 and a second heat transfer member 566 are provided as the heat transfer member 560 .

[0163] The first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 are each disposed on the side of the heat source 413 where the adhesive layer 480 is provided. Furthermore, the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 are each disposed within a range from one end 413G to the other end 413H in the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413.

[0164] Furthermore, the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 are arranged so as to reach the other end 413H side through a portion other than the portion where the adhesive layer 480 is provided, starting from the one end 413G side.

[0165] More specifically, the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 are arranged so as to pass beside (beside) the adhesive layer 480 and reach the other end portion 413F side.

[0166] Furthermore, in this configuration example, the first heat transfer member 565 is arranged on the one end 413E side of the heat source 413 in the short direction, and the second heat transfer member 566 is arranged on the other end 413F side of the heat source 413 in the short direction.

[0167] Furthermore, in this structural example, an adhesive layer 480 is provided between the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 .

[0168] In the above description, the structure with the through hole 561 and the notch 563 is described as an example, but the through hole 561 and the notch 563 are not necessary. Figure 7 As shown, a plate-shaped heat transfer member 560 without the through-hole 561 or the notch 563 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413 .

[0169] In the present embodiment, two heat transfer members 560 , namely the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 , are provided. However, a configuration may be adopted in which only one of the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 is provided.

[0170] Figure 8 40 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device 40. Figure 8 In the figure, the support portion 441 is omitted, and the heat transfer member 560 is also omitted.

[0171] In the above description, the case where the plurality of adhesive layers 480 are provided with gaps G therebetween has been described.

[0172] However, it is not limited to this. Figure 8 As shown, for example, the adhesive layer 480 may be provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 480 may be provided continuously along the longitudinal direction of the heat source 413.

[0173] However, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , compared with the case where the adhesive layer 480 is provided continuously, the case where the plurality of adhesive layers 480 are provided with gaps G therebetween can suppress the amount of expansion of the adhesive layer 480 .

[0174] More specifically, compared to the case where the adhesive layer 480 is set continuously, the case where multiple adhesive layers 480 are set with gaps G between them can suppress the elongation of the adhesive layer 480 when the adhesive layer 480 elongates due to thermal expansion of the heat source 413.

[0175] Here, when the adhesive layer 480 is continuously provided, it is assumed that the adhesive layer 480 is greatly elongated due to the thermal expansion of the heat source 413. When the elongation of the adhesive layer 480 is large, the deterioration of the adhesive layer 480 is easily promoted compared with the case where the elongation is small.

[0176] In contrast, when a plurality of adhesive layers 480 are provided with gaps G therebetween as in the present embodiment, the amount of elongation of each adhesive layer 480 is reduced, and degradation of the adhesive layer 480 can be suppressed.

[0177] Figure 94 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device 40. In addition, this figure shows a perspective view of a portion where the heat source 413, the adhesive layer 480, and the heat transfer member 560 are provided.

[0178] In this structural example, similarly to the above, the adhesive layer 480 is arranged between the facing surface 413A of the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 ( Figure 9 In addition, in this structural example, the heat transfer component 560 is provided on the opposite side 413B of the heat source 413.

[0179] In the above-described configuration example, the heat transfer member 560 is provided on the facing surface 413A side of the heat source 413 . However, in this case, the heat transfer member 560 is likely to be reduced in size to avoid interference between the adhesive layer 480 and the heat transfer member 560 .

[0180] On the other hand, when the heat transfer member 560 is provided on the opposite surface 413B side as in this configuration example, the through hole 561 and the notch 563 do not need to be provided.

[0181] In this case, the heat transfer member 560 can be disposed facing the entire surface of the opposite surface 413B of the heat source 413 , thereby increasing the size of the heat transfer member 560 .

[0182] Figure 10 4 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the fixing device 40. In addition, this figure shows a perspective view of a portion where the heat source 413, the adhesive layer 480, and the heat transfer member 560 are provided.

[0183] In this structural example, similarly to the above, the adhesive layer 480 is arranged between the facing surface 413A of the heat source 413 and the support portion 441 ( Figure 10 In addition, in this structural example, the heat transfer component 560 is arranged at a position opposite to the side surface 413C of the heat source 413.

[0184] More specifically, in this configuration example, two heat transfer members 560 , namely a first heat transfer member 565 and a second heat transfer member 566 , are provided as the heat transfer members 560 , and the heat transfer members 560 are provided at opposing positions on the two side surfaces 413C of the heat source 413 .

[0185] Therefore, the heat transfer member 560 is not limited to being provided on the facing surface 413A side and the opposite surface 413B side of the heat source 413 , but may also be provided at a position facing the side surface 413C.

[0186] In this configuration example, the case where two heat transfer members 560 are provided has been described. However, a configuration may be adopted in which only one of the first heat transfer member 565 and the second heat transfer member 566 is provided.

Claims

1. A fixing device, wherein: The fixing device comprises: heat source; a support portion supporting the heat source; an adhesive layer fixing the heat source and the support portion; as well as a heat transfer member disposed at a portion other than between the adhesive layer and the heat source and transferring heat from a portion of the heat source to another portion of the heat source; The heat transfer member is disposed on the side of the heat source where the adhesive layer is provided, and a notch is formed in the heat transfer member. The adhesive layer is disposed in the notch, and the heat source and the support portion are fixed by the adhesive layer in the notch. The outer periphery of the heat transfer component has a first long side and a second long side facing each other. A plurality of notches are respectively provided on the first long side and the second long side. The notch is not provided in a strip region of the heat transfer member extending along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member and located in the center of the heat transfer member in the short side direction. In the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member, a position of the notch provided on the first long side coincides with a position of the notch provided on the second long side.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive layer is not in contact with the heat transfer component.

3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive layer is provided with a plurality of A gap is provided between the adjacent adhesive layers.

4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of adhesive layers are arranged in one direction.

5. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein The heat source is arranged to extend in one direction. An end portion of the heat source in the short-side direction and the support portion are fixed by the adhesive layer.

6. An image forming apparatus, wherein: The image forming device comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; and a fixing device that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit onto the recording material, The fixing device is configured to include the fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .

Images