Heating device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of heating device and image forming device.The problem of the present application is to reduce the temperature unevenness of heating part in the direction of belt width and circumferential direction.The heating device of the present application includes: rotating part, rotating;Conveying belt, between it and the rotating part, heated material is clamped and rotates with the rotating part, and conveys the heated material;Heating part, with the inner circumferential surface of the conveying belt contact surface, and the inner circumferential surface of the conveying belt non-contact surface, by heating and through the heated material is heated by the conveying belt;And heat pipe, in the manner of contacting the non-contact surface of the heating part, along the oblique direction relative to the belt width direction of the conveying belt is arranged, and the working fluid has been enclosed inside the effect to make heat move to the oblique direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heating device and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a heating element that allows heated material to pass through a fixing clamp. The fixing clamp is formed by the heating element, a film member that is pressed against the heating element and rotatably disposed, and a pressure member disposed such that it is pressed against the heating element via the film member. The heating element is a plate-shaped heat pipe. On the fixing clamp side of the heat pipe substrate, a heating element is printed through an insulating layer, and the outermost surface is coated with an insulating layer.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-142834 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In a structure that uses a heating section to heat a material being transported by a rotating section and a conveyor belt via a conveyor belt, a structure in which heat is transferred from a high-temperature section of the heating section to a low-temperature section via a heat pipe can be considered (hereinafter referred to as Structure A).

[0008] In structure A, when heat pipes are arranged along the width of the conveyor belt, uneven temperature distribution in the heating section is easily generated in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt.

[0009] The present invention aims to reduce temperature unevenness of the heating part in both the belt width direction and the circumferential direction, compared with the structure in which the heat pipe is arranged along the belt width direction of the conveyor belt.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] The first embodiment includes: a rotating part that rotates; a conveyor belt that holds a material to be heated between itself and the rotating part and rotates together with the rotating part to convey the material to be heated; a heating part having a contact surface that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the conveyor belt and a non-contact surface that does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the conveyor belt, which heats the material to be heated by generating heat and conveying it through the conveyor belt; and a heat pipe that is arranged in an inclined direction relative to the width direction of the conveyor belt in a manner that contacts the non-contact surface of the heating part, and which uses the action of a working fluid sealed inside to move heat in the inclined direction.

[0012] In the second embodiment, a plurality of heat pipes are arranged along the width direction of the strip.

[0013] In the third embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt, one end of the heat pipe in the width direction of the belt is configured to overlap with other heat pipes.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt, the other end of the heat pipe configured to overlap with other heat pipes in the belt width direction is also configured to overlap with other heat pipes.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the non-contact surface, the plurality of heat pipes are configured in a shape in which one end of the circumferential direction is close to each other in the width direction, and the other end of the circumferential direction is far from each other in the width direction.

[0016] In the sixth embodiment, the plurality of heat pipes are configured in a shape such that one end of the heat pipe in the circumferential direction is close to the other in the width direction on the side where the heated material enters.

[0017] In the seventh embodiment, the plurality of heat pipes are configured in the shape of having a central portion in the width direction in the non-contact surface and one end in the circumferential direction that is close to each other in the width direction.

[0018] In the eighth embodiment, the heat pipe is configured to pass through a position that spans the end of the heated material transported by the heating device at its minimum width along the width direction.

[0019] The ninth embodiment includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium that is a heated material; and a heating device according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments that fixes the image on the recording medium by heating.

[0020] [The effects of the invention]

[0021] According to the structure of the first embodiment, compared with the structure in which the heat pipe is arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt, the temperature unevenness of the heating part is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0022] According to the structure of the second embodiment, compared with the structure with a single heat pipe, the temperature unevenness of the heating part is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0023] According to the structure of the third embodiment, compared with the structure in which multiple heat pipes are arranged separately in the width direction, the temperature unevenness of the heating part is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0024] According to the structure of the fourth embodiment, compared with the structure in which the heat pipe overlaps with other heat pipes only at one end, the temperature unevenness of the heating part is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0025] According to the structure of the fifth embodiment, compared with the structure in which multiple heat pipes are arranged in parallel, space for the arrangement of the components can be ensured.

[0026] According to the structure of the sixth embodiment, heat can be moved in a portion of the width direction of the band on the side where the heated material enters.

[0027] According to the structure of the seventh embodiment, heat can be moved toward the central portion in the width direction of the band on the side where the heated material enters.

[0028] According to the structure of the eighth embodiment, compared with the structure that avoids the passage position to arrange the heat pipe, the temperature unevenness of the heating part is reduced in the width direction.

[0029] According to the structure of the ninth embodiment, compared with the structure in which the heat pipe is arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt, the image fixing unevenness on the recording medium is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the fixing device according to this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the heating section in this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the structure of the heating element and heat pipe in this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the heat pipe in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution of the heating section in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing a modified example in which the arrangement density of the heat pipes in this embodiment is changed.

[0037] Figure 8 It means in Figure 4 The diagram shows a modified example of a heat pipe configuration along the width direction.

[0038] Explanation of symbols

[0039] 10: Image forming apparatus

[0040] 16: Image forming region (an example of an image forming region)

[0041] 30: Fixing device (an example of a heating device)

[0042] 40: Pressure roller (an example of a rotating part)

[0043] 60: Heating belt (an example of a conveyor belt)

[0044] 60A: Inner circumferential surface

[0045] 70: Heating section

[0046] 70A: Contact surface

[0047] 70B: Non-contact surface

[0048] 90: Heat pipe

[0049] P: Using paper (an example of a recording medium, an example of a heated material) Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] (Image forming apparatus 10)

[0052] The structure of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. In the following description, regarding the image forming apparatus 10, the height direction is referred to as the "apparatus height direction," the depth direction as the "apparatus depth direction," and the left-right direction as the "apparatus width direction." The apparatus height direction, apparatus depth direction, and apparatus width direction are mutually orthogonal. In each figure, the apparatus height direction is represented by the arrow X, the apparatus depth direction by the arrow Z, and the apparatus width direction by the arrow Y. Furthermore, these directions are defined for ease of explanation, and the apparatus structure is not limited to these directions.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes: an apparatus body 11, a receiving section 12 for receiving paper P, a conveying section 14 for conveying paper P, an image forming section 16 for forming a toner image G on the paper P, and a fixing apparatus 30.

[0054] Paper P is an example of a recording medium and an example of a heated material. Toner image G is an example of an image. Image forming unit 16 is an example of an image forming unit. Conveyor unit 14 conveys paper P from receiving unit 12 toward the upper side in the height direction of the device along conveyor path T. As an example, image forming unit 16 uses monochrome or multicolor toner and performs the steps of charging, exposure, development, and transfer, which are known electrophotographic methods, to form toner image G on paper P conveyed by conveyor unit 14.

[0055] (Fixing device 30)

[0056] Figure 1 The fixing device 30 shown is an example of a heating device. The fixing device 30 uses heating to fix the toner image G formed on the paper P by the image forming section 16 onto the paper P. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 30 includes a device body 50, a pressure roller 40, and a heating belt 60. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the fixing device 30 includes a heating unit 70, a support unit 80, and a heat pipe 90. The specific structure of each part of the fixing device 30 will be described below.

[0057] (Device body 50)

[0058] Figure 1 The device body 50 shown is detachably mounted relative to the device body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. Thus, the fixing apparatus 30 as a whole is detachable from the device body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. The device body 50 has a support frame (not shown) that supports the various parts of the fixing apparatus 30.

[0059] (Pressure roller 40 and heating belt 60)

[0060] The pressure roller 40 is an example of a rotating part. The heating belt 60 is an example of a conveyor belt. The pressure roller 40 and the heating belt 60 are arranged facing each other. The heating belt 60 is annular, specifically, it is formed without ends. As an example, the heating belt 60 is a component made of polyimide resin with fluorine coating applied to its outer peripheral surface. The two ends of the heating belt 60 in the belt width direction are rotatably supported by support members (not shown).

[0061] Furthermore, the belt width direction is the direction that intersects (specifically, the orthogonal direction) with the rotation direction relative to the heating belt 60, and is along the Z direction in the figure. This belt width direction can also be referred to as the direction along the rotation axis of the pressure roller 40 (hereinafter referred to as the axis direction).

[0062] The pressure roller 40 has: a shaft portion 45 with the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the device as the axis, an elastic layer 46 formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 45, and a release layer 47 formed on the outer periphery of the elastic layer 46. The shaft portion 45 is pressed towards the heating portion 70 by a pressing portion (not shown) containing a spring. As a result, a contact area 50S (i.e., fixing clip) is formed where the heating belt 60 contacts the pressure roller 40. In other words, the contact area 50S is the area formed between the heating belt 60 and the pressure roller 40.

[0063] Furthermore, the shaft 45 of the pressure roller 40 is supported by a bearing (not shown) and rotates via a drive unit (not shown). Meanwhile, the heating belt 60 rotates in tandem with the pressure roller 40. Thus, the heating belt 60 holds the paper P between itself and the pressure roller 40 and rotates together with the pressure roller 40, conveying the paper P. The paper P is pressurized by the pressure roller 40 and the heating belt 60, and heated by the heating unit 70, thereby fixing the toner image G formed on the paper P.

[0064] Furthermore, the center of the pressure roller 40 in the axial direction is approximately aligned with the center of the heating belt 60 in the belt width direction. Consequently, the paper P is conveyed by the heating belt 60 and the pressure roller 40 with the center of its width direction approximately aligned with the center of the pressure roller 40 in the axial direction and the center of the heating belt 60 in the belt width direction (i.e., center alignment).

[0065] (Heating section 70)

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating element 70 is disposed inside the heating band 60 and is supported by the support element 80, which will be described later. The heating element 70 is configured to be planar (plate-like) with the width direction (Y direction) of the device as its thickness direction, and has a length along the width direction (Z direction) of the heating band 60. In addition, the center of the heating element 70 in the width direction is approximately aligned with the center of the heating band 60 in the width direction.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the heating unit 70 has a contact surface 70A that contacts the inner peripheral surface 60A of the heating band 60, and a planar non-contact surface 70B that does not contact the inner peripheral surface 60A. The non-contact surface 70B is disposed on the side opposite to the heating band 60 side relative to the contact surface 70A. In other words, the non-contact surface 70B is disposed facing the contact surface 70A. Furthermore, the non-contact surface 70B is disposed parallel to the contact surface 70A. That is, the distance between the non-contact surface 70B and the contact surface 70A is set to be fixed in the device height direction (X direction).

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, the heating element 70 includes a substrate 72, a resistor 74, and a protective layer 76. The substrate 72 comprises a rectangular plate that is long in the depth direction (Z direction) and short in the height direction (X direction). As an example, the substrate 72 comprises a shaped alumina. As an example, the thickness of the substrate 72 in the width direction (Y direction) is approximately 1 mm.

[0069] Resistor 74 is disposed on surface 72A (hereinafter referred to as surface 72A) on the side of pressure roller 40 in substrate 72. Electrodes (not shown) are formed at both ends of the device in the longitudinal direction of resistor 74. The electrodes are connected to a power source (not shown). When resistor 74 is energized from the power source, Joule heat is generated by the internal resistance of resistor 74, thereby heating resistor 74.

[0070] A protective layer 76 is formed on the surface 72A of the substrate 72, covering the resistor 74. The protective layer 76 constitutes the contact surface 70A of the heating section 70. Moreover, in the heating section 70, the paper P is heated by the heat generated by the resistor 74 and via the heating band 60.

[0071] (Support section 80)

[0072] Figure 2 The support portion 80 shown functions to support the heating band 60. Furthermore, the support portion 80 also functions to support the heating portion 70. Specifically, the support portion 80 has a support frame 82 and a retaining member 84.

[0073] The support frame 82 is a member that extends in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the device. When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the device, the cross-sectional shape of the support frame 82 becomes a U-shape with an opening towards the pressure roller 40. In addition, both ends of the support frame 82 in the longitudinal direction of the device are supported by the device body 50.

[0074] As an example, the retaining member 84 is a liquid crystal polymer component that extends in the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, the retaining member 84 is installed on the pressure side of the support frame 82 to retain the heating part 70.

[0075] (Heat pipe 90)

[0076] Figure 2 and Figure 4 The heat pipe 90 shown is arranged in an inclined direction relative to the width direction (Z direction) of the heating band 60, in contact with the non-contact surface 70B of the heating section 70. Figure 4 As shown, the heat pipe 90 has multiple components arranged along the width direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of heat pipes 90 includes six heat pipes 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, and 90F. Heat pipes 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, and 90F are arranged in this order from one side of the band width direction to the other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, all heat pipes 90 are arranged along an inclined direction relative to the band width direction of the heating band 60.

[0078] Viewed in the vertical direction relative to the non-contact surface 70B (hereinafter referred to as "in vertical view"), heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured such that one end 901 is close to each other in the width direction, and the other end 902 is far from each other in the width direction. That is, in vertical view, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a figure-eight shape.

[0079] Specifically, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a V-shape, with one end 901 of each other approaching each other in the width direction on the side where the paper P enters (hereinafter referred to as the paper entry side). That is, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a V-shape, with one end 901 of each other approaching each other in the width direction on the upstream side of the paper P conveying direction, and the other end 902 of each other being far apart in the width direction on the downstream side of the paper P conveying direction.

[0080] More specifically, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a V-shape, with one end 901 of each heat pipe approaching the other in the width direction at the center of the non-contact surface 70B. Furthermore, one end 901 of heat pipes 90C and 90D is separated from each other in the width direction. That is, when viewed in the circumferential direction (X direction), heat pipes 90C and 90D do not overlap. Figure 4 In the diagram, the dashed line CA is used to represent the center of the band width direction in the non-contact surface 70B.

[0081] Furthermore, each heat pipe 90 has one end 901 that is both an axial end and a circumferential end. Also, each heat pipe 90 has one end 901 that is also a circumferential end. Additionally, each heat pipe 90 has another end 902 that is both an axial end and a circumferential end. Also, each heat pipe 90 has another end 902 that is also a circumferential end.

[0082] In this embodiment, heat pipes 90A and 90B are arranged along heat pipe 90C. Specifically, heat pipes 90A and 90B are arranged parallel to heat pipe 90C. More specifically, the arrangement interval AB of heat pipes 90A and 90B is set to be the same as the arrangement interval BC of heat pipes 90B and 90C. In other words, the arrangement density of heat pipes 90A, 90B, and 90C is set to be the same in the band width direction.

[0083] Viewed circumferentially, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90C. Specifically, viewed circumferentially, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with the other end 902 of heat pipe 90C. Figure 4 In the diagram, arrow M1 is used to indicate the overlapping area.

[0084] Viewed circumferentially, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90A. Specifically, viewed circumferentially, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with one end 901 of heat pipe 90A. Figure 4 In the diagram, arrow M2 is used to indicate the overlapping area.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, heat pipes 90E and 90F are arranged along heat pipe 90D. Specifically, heat pipes 90E and 90F are arranged parallel to heat pipe 90D. More specifically, the arrangement interval DE of heat pipes 90D and 90E is set to be the same as the arrangement interval EF of heat pipes 90E and 90F. In other words, the arrangement density of heat pipes 90D, 90E, and 90F is set to be the same in the band width direction.

[0086] Viewed circumferentially, one end 901 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with heat pipe 90D. Specifically, viewed circumferentially, one end 901 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with the other end 902 of heat pipe 90D. Figure 4 In the diagram, arrow M3 is used to indicate the overlapping area.

[0087] Viewed circumferentially, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with heat pipe 90F. Specifically, viewed circumferentially, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with one end 901 of heat pipe 90F. Figure 4 In the diagram, arrow M4 is used to indicate the overlapping area.

[0088] Furthermore, heat pipes 90C and 90D are arranged to pass through a crossing position PA, which is the end of the paper P transported by the fixing device 30 with the minimum width along the tape width direction. In this embodiment, heat pipes 90B and 90E are also arranged to pass through the crossing position PA. In other words, one side of the crossing position PA is located within the area M1 where one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with the other end 902 of heat pipe 90C. The other side of the crossing position PA is located within the area M3 where one end 901 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with the other end 902 of heat pipe 90D.

[0089] Furthermore, heat pipes 90A and 90F are configured to pass through a passing position PB that spans the end of the paper P conveyed by the fixing device 30 along the maximum width direction.

[0090] By configuring each heat pipe 90 as described above, the heat pipe 90 is configured to be linearly symmetrical with the dotted line CA as the axis of symmetry.

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat pipe 90 includes a cylindrical body 96 and a metal wire 97. A cross-sectional circular space 93, containing a working fluid, is formed inside the heat pipe 90 94. The space 93 extends along the axial direction of the heat pipe 90. Furthermore, the working fluid is sealed within the space 93 under reduced pressure.

[0092] Figure 5 The metal wire 97 shown is a forming member that creates a capillary that allows the working fluid to move along the axial direction. The metal wire 97 is disposed within the space 93 of the heat pipe 90. Specifically, multiple metal wires 97 are bundled together and disposed within the space 93 along the axial direction of the heat pipe 90. Thus, in this embodiment, a capillary structure (a so-called wick) is formed by the metal wires 97.

[0093] Furthermore, the heat pipe 90 utilizes the working fluid sealed within the interior 94 to move heat along the width of the heating band 60. Specifically, the heat movement of the heating section 70 is achieved as follows: In the high-temperature section of the heating section 70, the working fluid is boiled by the heat applied to the heat pipe 90. The vapor generated by the boiling of the working fluid moves towards the low-temperature section of the heating section 70 due to the pressure difference. The vapor condenses in the low-temperature section, and the heat of condensation is released towards the heating section 70. Moreover, the condensed working fluid returns to its original position (the high-temperature section of the heating section 70) through capillary action generated by the capillary formed using the metal wire 97.

[0094] (The function of this implementation method)

[0095] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0096] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the image forming unit 16 forms a toner image G on the paper P conveyed by the conveying unit 14. The toner image G formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 16 is pressed by the pressure roller 40 and the heating belt 60 in the fixing device 30, and heated by the heating unit 70, thereby fixing the image on the paper P.

[0097] In this embodiment, if a temperature distribution is generated in the heating section 70, the heat pipe 90 uses the working fluid sealed in the interior 94 to move heat from the high-temperature section of the heating section 70 to the low-temperature section.

[0098] Furthermore, the temperature distribution in the heating section 70 is generated when the toner image G is fixed on a piece of paper P with a size smaller than the width of the heating section 70. In this case, heat is absorbed by the paper P in a portion of the width of the heating section 70, thus creating a temperature distribution in the heating section 70.

[0099] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heat pipe 90 is arranged in an inclined direction relative to the width direction of the heating band 60, in a manner that contacts the non-contact surface 70B of the heating section 70.

[0100] Here, in the structure in which the heat pipe 90 is arranged along the width direction (hereinafter referred to as the first structure), the heat of the heating part 70 moves along the width direction through the heat pipe 90, thus eliminating the temperature distribution in the width direction of the heating part 70, but a temperature distribution in the circumferential direction of the heating part 70 is still generated and is difficult to eliminate.

[0101] In contrast, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heat pipe 90 is arranged in an inclined direction relative to the width direction of the heating belt 60, so heat also moves in the circumferential direction of the belt. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the first structure, the temperature unevenness of the heating part 70 is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction of the belt. As a result, in the fixing device 30, the fixing unevenness of the toner image G onto the paper P is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple heat pipes 90 are arranged along the width direction. Therefore, compared to a structure with a single heat pipe 90, the temperature unevenness of the heating section 70 is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90C. Specifically, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with the other end 902 of heat pipe 90C (see reference). Figure 4 Arrow M1).

[0104] In the structure where heat pipes 90B and 90C are arranged separately in the width direction (hereinafter referred to as the second structure), a blank area without heat pipe 90 is formed between heat pipes 90B and 90C. In this blank area, no heat movement utilizing the width direction of the heat pipe 90 occurs, making it difficult to eliminate temperature unevenness in the heating section 70. In contrast, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90C, thus reducing temperature unevenness in the heating section 70 in both the width and circumferential directions compared to the second structure.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of the heat pipe 90E overlaps with the heat pipe 90D. This structure also serves the same function as described above.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90A. Specifically, when viewed in the circumferential direction, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with one end 901 of heat pipe 90A (see reference). Figure 4 Arrow M2).

[0107] Therefore, no blank area is formed between heat pipe 90B and heat pipe 90A that does not generate heat movement in the width direction of heat pipe 90. Compared with the structure where heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90 only at one end, the temperature unevenness of heating part 70 is reduced in both the width direction and the circumferential direction.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, the other end 902 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with heat pipe 90F. This structure also serves the same function as described above.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, when viewed vertically, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a figure-eight shape with one end 901 close to each other in the width direction and the other end 902 far apart from each other in the width direction.

[0110] Therefore, a larger space is formed between the other ends 902 of heat pipes 90C and 90D than between their respective ends 901. Thus, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where all the heat pipes 90 are arranged in parallel, more space is ensured for arranging components. Examples of such components include, for instance, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heating element 70.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, specifically, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a V-shape with one end 901 close to each other in the tape width direction on the paper entry side of the heating unit 70. More specifically, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a V-shape with one end 901 close to each other in the tape width direction at the central portion of the non-contact surface 70B. Therefore, heat can be moved towards the central portion of the tape width direction on the paper entry side (i.e., the upstream side of the conveying direction) of the heating unit 70. Thus, for example, when the two ends 70M of the tape width direction downstream of the heating unit 70 in the conveying direction are set as high-temperature sections, and the central portion 70N of the tape width direction upstream of the heating unit 70 in the conveying direction is set as a low-temperature section, heat moves efficiently from the high-temperature section to the low-temperature section. In the fixing device 30, by maintaining the temperature at the central portion 70N of the tape width direction upstream of the heating unit 70 in the conveying direction, the decrease in the fixing performance of the toner image G is suppressed.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured to pass through a crossing position PA that spans the end of the paper P transported by the fixing device 30 along the minimum width direction.

[0113] Here, when fixing the toner image G onto the paper P with the minimum width, as... Figure 6 As shown, within the range HA between positions PA, heat is absorbed by the paper P, and therefore the temperature of the heating section 70 decreases within the range HA.

[0114] In contrast, in this embodiment, heat pipes 90C and 90D are arranged to cross the position PA, so heat moves from the outside to the inside of the range HA, reducing temperature unevenness of the heating section 70.

[0115] (A variation of the heat pipe 90 configuration density)

[0116] In this embodiment, the arrangement density of heat pipes 90A, 90B, and 90C is set to be the same in the band width direction, and the arrangement density of heat pipes 90D, 90E, and 90F is set to be the same in the band width direction, but this is not a limitation. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, it can also be a structure in which the spacing between the plurality of heat pipes 90 arranged from the center of the heating section 70 in the width direction toward the ends gradually decreases. Figure 7 In the structure shown, the spacing between heat pipes 90B and 90C is BC; the spacing between heat pipes 90A and 90B is AB; and the spacing between heat pipes 90A and 90Y is YA, which gradually decreases in this order. Similarly, the spacing between heat pipes 90D and 90E is DE; the spacing between heat pipes 90E and 90F is EF; and the spacing between heat pipes 90F and 90Z is FZ, which gradually decreases in this order. In other words, [the following is a description of a structure, likely related to heat pipe arrangement]. Figure 7 The structure shown is configured such that the arrangement density of the plurality of heat pipes 90 is increased at the ends in the width direction compared to the central portion of the heating section 70. In this way, the arrangement density of the plurality of heat pipes 90 can also be varied along the width direction.

[0117] (Modified Example)

[0118] In this embodiment, a metal wire 97 is used as the forming member for creating a capillary that allows the working fluid to move along the axial direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, a mesh material may also be used as the forming member, as long as it is a member for forming a capillary.

[0119] In this embodiment, multiple heat pipes 90 are provided in the heating section 70, but it is not limited to this. A single heat pipe 90 may also be provided in the heating section 70.

[0120] In this embodiment, all heat pipes 90 are arranged along an inclined direction relative to the width direction of the heating band 60, but this is not a limitation. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, it may also include heat pipes 90 arranged along the width direction. Figure 8 In the structure shown, heat pipes 90 arranged along the width direction are respectively disposed on the paper inlet side (upstream side in the conveying direction) and the paper outlet side (downstream side in the conveying direction) of the heating section 70.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of heat pipe 90B overlaps with heat pipe 90C, and the other end 902 overlaps with heat pipe 90A, but this is not a limitation. For example, it is also possible for heat pipe 90B to overlap with other heat pipes 90 only at one end 901 or the other end 902. Moreover, for example, it is also possible for heat pipe 90B to be configured separately from heat pipes 90 adjacent in the width direction (i.e., heat pipes 90A and 90C) in the width direction.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the circumferential direction, one end 901 of heat pipe 90E overlaps with heat pipe 90D, and the other end 902 overlaps with heat pipe 90F, but this is not a limitation. For example, heat pipe 90E may overlap with other heat pipes 90 only at one end 901 or the other end 902. Moreover, for example, heat pipe 90E may be configured separately from heat pipes 90 adjacent in the width direction (i.e., heat pipes 90D and 90F) in the width direction.

[0123] In this embodiment, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a figure-eight shape, with one end 901 of each other approaching each other in the width direction at the central portion of the non-contact surface 70B, but this is not a limitation. For example, they may also be configured in a figure-eight shape, with one end 901 of each other approaching each other in the width direction at the end side of the non-contact surface 70B (i.e., a position offset from the central portion in the width direction). Furthermore, even in this case, it is ideal that one end 901 of heat pipes 90C and 90D is located within the range HA between the passing positions PA of the minimum width paper P.

[0124] In this embodiment, heat pipes 90C and 90D are configured in a figure-eight shape with one end 901 close to each other in the tape width direction on the paper inlet side (i.e., upstream side in the conveying direction) of the heating section 70, but this is not a limitation. For example, heat pipes 90C and 90D may also be configured in a figure-eight shape with one end 901 close to each other in the tape width direction on the paper outlet side (i.e., downstream side in the conveying direction) of the heating section 70.

[0125] Furthermore, it could also be a structure in which heat pipes 90A, 90B, and 90C are arranged along heat pipe 90D. Alternatively, it could be a structure in which heat pipes 90D, 90E, and 90F are arranged along heat pipe 90C. That is, it could also be a structure in which all the heat pipes 90 are arranged in the same tilt direction.

[0126] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, alterations, and improvements can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, multiple variations shown above can be appropriately combined to form a complete system.

Claims

1. A heating device, comprising: The rotating part rotates. A conveyor belt clamps the material to be heated between itself and the rotating part and rotates together with the rotating part to transport the material to be heated. The heating section has a contact surface that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the conveyor belt and a non-contact surface that does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the conveyor belt, and heats the material to be heated by generating heat and conveying it via the conveyor belt; and The heat pipe is arranged at an angle relative to the width of the conveyor belt, in contact with the non-contact surface of the heating element, and heat is moved in the angled direction by the action of the working fluid sealed inside. Multiple heat pipes are arranged along the width direction of the strip. Viewed in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt, one end of the heat pipe in the width direction of the belt is configured to overlap with other heat pipes.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein... Viewed in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt, one end of the heat pipe is configured to overlap with other heat pipes, and the other end of the heat pipe in the belt width direction is configured to overlap with other heat pipes.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein... Viewed in the direction perpendicular to the non-contact surface, the plurality of heat pipes are configured in a shape in which one end of the circumferential direction is close to each other in the width direction, and the other end of the circumferential direction is far apart from each other in the width direction.

4. The heating device according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of heat pipes are configured in a shape such that one end of the heat pipe in the circumferential direction is close to the other in the width direction on the side where the heated material enters.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein... The plurality of heat pipes are configured in the shape of having a central portion in the width direction in the non-contact surface and one end in the circumferential direction close to each other in the width direction.

6. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The heat pipe is configured to pass through a position that spans the end of the heated material transported by the heating device at its minimum width along the width direction.

7. An image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium that is a heated material; as well as The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 fixes the image on the recording medium by heating.

Images