Heating device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A heating device and an image forming apparatus. The heating device includes an elongated heater, a first holding member configured to hold the heater, a power cutoff member configured to cut off power supply to the heater, a second holding member configured to hold the power cutoff member, a first force applying member configured to press the power cutoff member against the heater, and a regulating member configured to regulate the position of the second holding member, wherein, in the longitudinal direction of the heater, one end side of the second holding member is forced by the first force applying member, and the other end side of the second holding member is regulated in position by the regulating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heating devices and image forming equipment, such as copiers, printers, and fax machines employing electrophotographic systems, electrostatic recording systems, etc. Background Technology

[0002] As a heating device in an image forming apparatus, a known configuration includes a film, a heater disposed within the interior space of the film, a holding member for holding the heater, and a reinforcing member for reinforcing the holding member. An example of a heater includes a sheet heater comprising a sheet heating element on a ceramic substrate, the heater being held by a heater holder made of resin, which serves as the holding member. A through-hole is provided in a portion of the holding member in the longitudinal direction, and a thermistor is arranged in the space between the holding member and the reinforcing member to detect the temperature of the heater. The heater is controlled based on the temperature detected by the thermistor. Similarly, a protective element, such as a thermostat and a thermal fuse, is also provided in the space between the holding member and the reinforcing member. The protective element also contacts the heater via another through-hole provided in the holding member. The protective element is a power-cutting member that cuts off the power supply to the heater if the heater temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0003] The power cut-off component is arranged to contact the heater. At this point, if the contact pressure on the heater is low or a gap forms between the power cut-off component and the heater, the response to temperature changes. Therefore, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-41096, the power cut-off component is forced towards the heater by multiple force-applying components (such as compression springs and compound springs). This allows the power cut-off component to contact the heater at a predetermined pressure.

[0004] When both sides of the power cutting component are subjected to force by the force-applying components, force can be applied; however, space is required to configure multiple force-applying components, and the number of components is increased. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating device includes an elongated heater, a first holding member configured to hold the heater, a power cutting member configured to cut off the power supply to the heater, a second holding member configured to hold the power cutting member, a first force-applying member configured to press the power cutting member against the heater, and a regulating member configured to regulate the position of the second holding member, wherein, in the longitudinal direction of the heater, one end of the second holding member is forceped by the first force-applying member, and the other end of the second holding member is regulated into position by the regulating member.

[0006] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating device and the pressure roller.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the thermostat unit.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area near the thermostat unit.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the relationship of forces acting on the thermostat unit.

[0015] Figure 9 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area near the thermostat of the heating device.

[0018] Figure 12 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Figure 14 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area near the thermostat unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are necessary for the solutions provided in this invention.

[0022] Image forming equipment

[0023] The first exemplary implementation will be described. Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of the image forming apparatus 900. When a print signal is generated, the scanner unit 921 emits a laser beam modulated based on image information to scan the photosensitive drum 919, which is charged to a photosensitive element of predetermined polarity by the charging roller 916. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 919. The developing unit 917 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image and forms a toner image corresponding to the image information on the photosensitive drum 919. On the other hand, the sheets S loaded in the sheet feed cassette 911 are fed one by one by the pick-up roller 912, and each sheet S is conveyed by the roller 913 toward the positioning roller 914. In addition, synchronized with the moment when the toner image on the photosensitive drum 919 reaches the transfer position, the sheet S is conveyed from the positioning roller 914 to the transfer position formed by the photosensitive drum 919 and the transfer roller 920.

[0024] As the sheet S passes through the transfer position, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 919 is transferred onto the sheet S. Subsequently, the sheet S is heated by the fixing unit 1, and the toner image is heated and fixed onto the sheet S. The sheet S carrying the fixed toner image is discharged onto a tray on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 900 via rollers 926 and 927.

[0025] Note that the toner residue on the photosensitive drum 919 is cleaned by the cleaner 918.

[0026] Motor 930 is the drive source for the fixing unit 1, etc. Power is supplied to the fixing unit 1 from control circuit 940 connected to commercial AC power supply 941. The aforementioned photosensitive drum 919, charging roller 916, scanner unit 921, developing unit 917, and transfer roller 920 constitute an image forming unit that forms an unfixed image on the sheet S. Cylinder 915 is a replaceable unit for the image forming apparatus 900. Scanner unit 921 includes light source 922, multifaceted mirror 923, and reflector 924.

[0027] [Fixing device]

[0028] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Explain the structure of fixing device 1. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device 1 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The fixing device 1 includes a heating device 2 and a pressure roller 4. The heating device 2 includes a cylindrical membrane 3 as a flexible rotatable first rotor, and the pressure roller 4 is a second rotor that applies pressure to the heating device 2 by a pressure unit (not shown) to form a roll gap N. The sheet S is held and conveyed by the roll gap N, and the toner image on the sheet S is heated to fix it onto the sheet S.

[0029] Figure 3This is a schematic structural diagram of the heating device 2 and the pressure roller 4. The heating device 2 and the pressure roller 4 are supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by the frame (not shown) of the fixing device 1. The pressure roller 4 is driven to rotate when driving force is transmitted from the drive source (not shown) to the drive gear 28. The film 3, which abuts against the pressure roller 4, is configured to rotate with the pressure roller 4.

[0030] The slender heater 5 is arranged inside the membrane 3. Figure 2 The conveying direction of sheet S in the middle is transverse to that of heater 5, which is Figure 2 The left and right directions within. The direction orthogonal to the horizontal is the longitudinal direction of heater 5, which is... Figure 2 The front-to-back direction within. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to the transverse and longitudinal directions is the thickness direction of heater 5, which is... Figure 2 The up and down directions in the middle.

[0031] The heater 5 is arranged to slide relative to the inner circumferential surface of the membrane 3. The inner surfaces of the membrane 3 at both ends in the longitudinal direction are supported by flanges 29. Lubricant is applied between the heater 5 and the membrane 3 to improve slidability.

[0032] The heater 5 is configured to be energized by an energizing unit (not shown) from a connector 30, which serves as an electrical contact, and to generate heat by receiving electrical power. Within the interior space of the membrane 3, the heater 5 is held by a heater holder 7, which is a holding member disposed substantially parallel to the membrane 3. Furthermore, the roll gap N formed by the membrane 3 and the pressure roller 4 preferably has a uniform width in the direction of the longitudinal axis of rotation of the membrane 3. Therefore, the heater holder 7 is provided with a metal frame member 8 as a reinforcing member on the opposite side of the pressure roller 4, wherein the heater holder 7 is located between the pressure roller 4 and the metal frame member 8 to enhance resistance to forces caused by pressing. The frame member 8 receives pressure from the pressurizing unit (not shown) via flanges 29 provided at both ends. Although details will be described below, the frame member 8, as a reinforcing member, also serves as a regulating member for adjusting the position of the thermostat holder 102. Alternatively, instead of the frame member 8, the heater holder 7, as a holding member, can serve as a regulating member for adjusting the position of the thermostat holder 102.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the thermostat unit 100. The thermostat 101, which serves as a power cut-off component, is held by a thermostat holder 102, which serves as a holding component. The contact portion 101a of the thermostat 101 has an internally constructed electrical contact via a bimetallic element. When the surface of the contact portion 101a is arranged to abut against the heater 5 and the heater 5 heats up to a predetermined temperature or above, the connection of the electrical contact is disconnected by reversing the bimetallic element, thereby cutting off the power supply (energizing) to the heater 5.

[0034] In order for the thermostat 101 to respond to the heat of the heater 5 with high responsiveness, it is desirable for the contact portion 101a to abut against the heater 5 stably. Therefore, the thermostat retainer 102 is pressed against the heater 5 by a thermostat spring 103, which includes a compression spring as a force-applying member. The wire 104 of the thermostat 101 is housed in the wire guide portion 102a of the thermostat retainer 102. The thermostat spring 103 is arranged longitudinally in the thermostat 101 at the end of the fold-back portion 104a of the wire 104.

[0035] Figure 5 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device 2. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device 2 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the thermostat 101 of the heating device 2. The thermostat 101 is arranged such that the abutment portion 101a engages with the opening portion 7a, which is an opening located near the central portion of the heater holder 7 in the longitudinal direction. The thermostat holder 102, which holds the thermostat 101, is arranged in a position sandwiched between the heater holder 7 and the frame member 8, that is, between the heater holder 7 and the frame member 8 in the thickness direction of the heater 5. In the longitudinal direction of the heater 5, a thermostat spring 103 located at one end of the thermostat holder 102 is locked to the frame member 8, and the thermostat holder 102 is pressed against the heater 5. A fulcrum 102b located at the other end of the thermostat holder 102 is also locked to the frame member 8. In other words, the other end of the thermostat holder 102 is controlled into place by the frame member 8.

[0036] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the force relationships acting on the thermostat holder 102. 2L represents the distance from the fulcrum 102b of the thermostat holder 102 to the thermostat spring 103, and L represents the distance from the fulcrum 102b to the abutment portion 101a of the thermostat 101. One end of the thermostat holder 102 is subjected to a force by the thermostat spring 103, generating a force F( Figure 8 (Hollow arrow in the image). The applied force F generates a torque T at the other end of the thermostat holder 102. As a result, force Fa ( Figure 8 The solid arrow in the diagram acts on the contact part 101a. According to the relationship T=F×2L=Fa×L, Fa=2F holds true.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, to ensure that the abutment portion 101a of the thermostat 101 abuts against the heater 5 with a force of 400 gf, the load on the thermostat spring 103 is set to 200 gf. Note that the distance from the fulcrum 102b to the abutment portion 101a has a 1:2 relationship with the distance from the fulcrum 102b to the thermostat spring 103; however, the relationship is not limited to this. If the distance relationship changes, it is sufficient to appropriately adjust the spring pressure of the thermostat spring 103 based on the aforementioned relationship between torque and force.

[0038] As described above, one end of the thermostat 101 is stressed by the thermostat spring 103, and the fulcrum 102b at the other end is positioned by the frame member 8. This allows the abutment portion 101a to press against the heater 5 without stressing both sides of the thermostat 101 via the spring. By employing a structure requiring the thermostat spring 103 only on one side, it is possible to suppress the increase in space caused by the spring and achieve miniaturization. Furthermore, on the other side where the thermostat spring 103 is not located, the space created by the absence of the spring can be used for wiring of the wire 104, allowing for miniaturization of the heating device 2.

[0039] In the second exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the thermistor 201 will also be described in addition to the thermostat 101. Constructions identical to those described in the first exemplary embodiment (e.g., image forming apparatus) are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted in this exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device 2. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device 2 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 11 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area near the thermostat 101 of the heating device 2. In addition to the thermostat 101, the heating device 2 also includes a thermistor 201, which is a temperature sensing component arranged in an aperture 7b located near the central portion of the heater holder 7 in the longitudinal direction. The thermistor 201 continuously detects the temperature and sends the detection result to the central processing unit (CPU) via signal line 203. The CPU, acting as the control unit, controls the power supply to the heater 5 based on the detection result of the thermistor 201 to achieve the target temperature.

[0041] The thermostat 101 is arranged such that the abutment portion 101a engages with the hole 7a located near the longitudinal central portion of the heater holder 7. The thermostat holder 102, which holds the thermostat 101, is positioned between the heater holder 7 and the frame member 8 in the thickness direction of the heater 5. In the longitudinal direction of the heater 5, a thermostat spring 103 located at one end of the thermostat holder 102 is locked to the frame member 8, pressing the thermostat holder 102 against the heater 5. A fulcrum 102b located at the other end of the thermostat holder 102 is also locked to the frame member 8. In other words, the other end of the thermostat holder 102 is controlled into place by the frame member 8.

[0042] The thermistor 201 is arranged such that the temperature sensing unit 201a engages with the hole 7b provided in the heater holder 7 near the longitudinal center portion of the heater holder 7, closer in the longitudinal direction to the connector 30 than the thermostat 101. This is to ensure stable temperature detection of the heater 5. Figure 10 As shown, the temperature detection unit 201a of the thermistor 201 is pressed against the heater 5 by the thermistor spring 204 with the desired pressure.

[0043] like Figure 11 As shown, the wire 104 of the thermostat 101 is arranged above the thermistor 201 in the thickness direction of the heater 5. To allow the wire 104 to pass above the thermistor 201, a wire guide 202, acting as a guide member, is arranged by being fixed to the heater retainer 7. The wire guide 202 guides the wire 104 and locks the thermistor spring 204, which exerts force on the thermistor 201 toward the heater 5. The guide rib 202a of the wire guide 202 is arranged close to the frame member 8 to prevent the wire 104 from contacting the frame member 8 and to prevent the wire guide 202 from deforming due to the reaction force of the thermistor spring 204. The wire 104 is arranged to pass between the wire guide 202 and the guide rib 202a in the thickness direction of the heater 5 and is connected to the connector 30.

[0044] As described above, one end of the thermostat 101 is stressed by the thermostat spring 103, and the fulcrum 102b at the other end is positioned by the frame member 8. This allows the abutment portion 101a to press against the heater 5 without requiring stress on both sides of the thermostat 101 via the spring. The configuration requiring the thermostat spring 103 only on one side suppresses the increase in space caused by the spring. Furthermore, by having the wire 104 pass over the thermistor 201 arranged in the same direction, the heating device 2 can be miniaturized.

[0045] In the third exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the thermistor 201 will also be described in addition to the thermostat 101. Constructions identical to those described in the first and second exemplary embodiments (e.g., image forming apparatus) are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted in this exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 12 This is an exploded view showing the structure of each component in the heating device 2. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating device 2 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 14 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the thermostat 101 in the heating device 2. In addition to the thermostat 101, the heating device 2 also includes a thermistor 201, which is disposed in a hole 7b located near the central portion of the heater holder 7 in the longitudinal direction. The thermistor 201 continuously detects the temperature of the heater 5, and the CPU, which acts as a control unit, controls the power supply to the heater 5 based on the detection results of the thermistor 201 to achieve the target temperature.

[0047] The thermostat 101 is arranged such that the abutment portion 101a engages with a hole 7a located near the longitudinal central portion of the heater holder 7. The thermostat holder 102, which holds the thermostat 101, is arranged in the thickness direction of the heater 5, sandwiched between the heater holder 7 and the frame member 8. The thermistor 201 is arranged such that the temperature sensing unit 201a engages with a hole 7b located near the longitudinal central portion of the heater holder 7 at a position closer in the longitudinal direction than the thermostat 101 to the connector 30. To reliably detect the temperature of the heater 5, the temperature sensing unit 201a of the thermistor 201 is pressed against the heater 5 by a thermistor spring 204 with a desired pressure.

[0048] like Figure 12 As shown, the wires 104 of the thermostat 101 are arranged above the thermistor 201 in the thickness direction of the heater 5. To allow the wires 104 to pass above the thermistor 201, a wire guide 202 that guides the wires 104 and locks the thermistor spring 204 is arranged by being fixed to the heater retainer 7, as shown. Figure 13 As shown, the thermistor spring 204 applies force to press the thermistor 201 against the heater 5. More specifically, the wire guide 202 is secured to the shaft 7c of the heater retainer 7 by a push nut 301. The push nut 301 is a fastener that is inserted into the shaft without a groove from a specific direction and is secured in a predetermined position by claws gripping the outer diameter of the shaft on the inner diameter side. Figure 14As shown, the guide rib 202a of the wire guide 202 is arranged close to the frame member 8 to prevent the wire 104 from contacting the frame member 8 and to prevent the wire guide 202 from deforming due to the reaction force of the thermistor spring 204. The wire 104 is arranged to pass between the wire guide 202 and the guide rib 202a in the thickness direction of the heater 5 and is connected to the connector 30.

[0049] The fulcrum 102b located at the other end of the thermostat holder 102 is locked to the locking part 202b of the wire guide 202. In other words, the fulcrum 102b is positioned by the locking part 202b.

[0050] Instead of frame member 8, locking part 202b can be used as a regulating member for adjusting the position of thermostat retainer 102. Thermostat retainer 102 is held on heater retainer 7. When frame member 8 is installed on thermostat retainer 102, thermostat spring 103 located at one end of thermostat retainer 102 is locked to frame member 8. Guide rib 202a and locking part 202b of wire guide 202 are arranged close to frame member 8 and locked to frame member 8. This prevents wire 104 from contacting frame member 8 and prevents wire guide 202 from deforming due to the reaction force of thermistor spring 204. Locking part 202b of wire guide 202 may not be locked to frame member 8, but to other members such as heater retainer 7.

[0051] As described above, one end of the thermostat 101 is stressed by the thermostat spring 103, and the fulcrum 102b at the other end is positioned by the locking part 202b. This allows the abutment part 101a to press against the heater 5 without requiring stress on both sides of the thermostat 101 via the spring. The structure, which requires the thermostat spring 103 only on one side, suppresses the increase in space caused by the spring. Furthermore, by having the wire 104 pass over the thermistor 201 arranged in the same direction, the heating device 2 can be miniaturized.

[0052] Note that the configuration of applying force to the thermostat unit 100 according to each of the first to third exemplary embodiments can be applied to a configuration that applies force to the thermistor 201 instead of the thermostat 101. Like the thermostat 101, the thermistor 201 is also held by a retaining member, which serves as a retaining member. As described above, one end of the retaining member holding the thermistor 201 can be force-applied by a force-applying member, and the other end can be controlled by a regulating member. Furthermore, a configuration has been described in which the thermostat spring 103, which applies force to one end of the thermostat 101, is locked to the frame member 8. However, the thermostat spring 103 may not be locked to the frame member 8, but rather to other members such as the heater retainer 7, as long as the pressure of the thermostat spring 103 can be applied to the thermostat 101.

[0053] According to any exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a structure can be provided for applying force to the power cutting member without applying force to both sides of the power cutting member through multiple force-applying members.

[0054] Other implementation methods

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0056] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. A heating device, comprising: The first rotor is cylindrical; A slender heater is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first rotor within the interior space of the first rotor; A first retaining member is configured to retain the heater in the longitudinal direction of the heater; The second rotor contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor, and the second rotor is configured to clamp the first rotor and the heater together and form a roll gap between the second rotor itself and the first rotor; A power cut-off component is arranged in the internal space of the first rotor and configured to cut off the power supply to the heater in response to an abnormal temperature rise in the heater. A second retaining member is arranged in the internal space of the first rotor and is configured to retain the power cutting member; A spring is configured to press the power-cutting member against the heater; as well as A regulating component, configured to regulate the position of the second holding component. The heating device is configured to heat the image formed on the sheet while conveying the sheet at the roller gap. In the longitudinal direction of the heater, one end of the second retaining member is subjected to force by the spring. Wherein, no spring is provided on the other end of the second retaining member, and the other end of the second retaining member is adjusted into position by the adjusting member, and Specifically, with the position controlled by the regulating member as the fulcrum and the position where the spring applies force as the force application point, the power cutting member is forced toward the heater by the spring via the second holding member.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The spring is locked to the regulating member.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a first wire and a second wire connected to the power disconnecting member, in, The first wire and the second wire are respectively connected to the end of the power cutting member near one end of the second holding member and the end of the power cutting member near the other end of the second holding member. The first wire extends from one end of the power cutting member toward the second holding member and folds back midway to be arranged toward the other end of the first holding member. The spring applies force to the second retaining member at one end relative to the position where the first wire is folded back.

4. The heating device according to claim 3, further comprising: A temperature sensing component, configured to detect temperature; A third retaining member is configured to retain the temperature sensing member; The second spring is configured to press the temperature sensing member against the heater; as well as A first guiding member is configured to guide the wire. In the thickness direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the heater, the first guide member is arranged between the temperature sensing member and the control member, and The second spring is locked to the first guide member.

5. The heating device of claim 4, further comprising a second guiding member configured to guide the wire, wherein, In the thickness direction, the second guide member is arranged between the first guide member and the adjustment member, and In the thickness direction, the wire is arranged between the first guide member and the second guide member.

6. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The power cutting component engages with the opening of the first retaining component and abuts against the heater.

7. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The power cutting member is arranged between the first holding member and the regulating member in the thickness direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the heater.

8. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The regulating component is a component that strengthens the first retaining component.

9. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The regulating component is part of the first retaining component.

10. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a first wire and a second wire connected to the power disconnecting member. in, The regulating component is a component that guides the first wire and the second wire.

11. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first rotor, which includes the heater in its internal space; as well as The second rotor is configured to abut against the first rotor and form a roll gap with the heater.

12. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotor is a cylindrical diaphragm. The second rotor is a pressure roller, and The heater abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical membrane.

13. An image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming unit is configured to form an image on a sheet; as well as The heating device according to claim 1 is configured to fix an image formed on the sheet.

14. A heating device, comprising: The first rotor is cylindrical; A slender heater is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first rotor within the interior space of the first rotor; A first retaining member is configured to retain the heater in the longitudinal direction of the heater; The second rotor contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor, and the second rotor is configured to clamp the first rotor and the heater together and form a roll gap between the second rotor itself and the first rotor; A temperature sensing component is arranged in the internal space of the first rotor and configured to detect temperature; A second retaining member is arranged in the internal space of the first rotor and is configured to retain the temperature sensing member; A spring is configured to press the temperature sensing element against the heater; as well as A regulating component, configured to regulate the position of the second holding component. The heating device is configured to heat the image formed on the sheet while conveying the sheet at the roller gap. In the longitudinal direction of the heater, one end of the second retaining member is subjected to force by the spring. Wherein, no spring is provided on the other end of the second retaining member, and the other end of the second retaining member is adjusted into position by the adjusting member, and Specifically, with the position controlled by the regulating member as the fulcrum and the position where the spring applies force as the force application point, the temperature detection member is forced towards the heater by the spring via the second holding member.

15. An image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming unit is configured to form an image on a sheet; as well as The heating device according to claim 14 is configured to fix an image formed on the sheet.

Images