Heating device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device, a fixing device, and an image forming apparatus that suppress generation of fine particles. The heating device (20) includes a rotating body (21) held so as to be rotatable; a heating source (23) that heats the rotating body (21); a rotating body holding member (27) that holds both end portions in a length direction of the rotating body (21); and a liquid or semi-solid substance having lubricity that is attached to the rotating body holding member (27), the temperature of the rotating body holding member (27) being lower than a fine particle generation temperature of the liquid or semi-solid substance having lubricity.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As an example of a heating device installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or printer, there is a known fixing device that heats a recording medium such as paper to fix an unfixed image on the recording medium onto the recording medium.

[0003] In such a fixing device, in order to reduce the sliding resistance between the clamping part forming member and the belt holding member (for example, see Patent Document 1 below), which slide relative to the rotating body, and the rotating body, a lubricating substance such as oil or grease (hereinafter referred to as "lubricant") is generally used. A lubricating substance is a substance that reduces the frictional resistance between the components by being placed between them.

[0004] In image forming devices such as copiers, multifunction peripherals, and printers that use electrophotographic processing, there are various certification standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, dust, and particulate matter generated during image formation.

[0005] While products that haven't received specific certifications aren't necessarily prohibited from sale, it can significantly impact their sales.

[0006] Certification requires passing various tests, but the particle testing is particularly stringent. Specifically, it requires obtaining fewer than 3.5 × 10⁻⁶ particles in the 5.6 nm–560 nm range generated by the image forming device when measuring particles using a particle size analyzer (FMPS) in the particle size distribution. 11 The number of particles per 10 minutes is expected to become a more stringent benchmark in the future. In this case, the number of particles is not related to the type or state of the substance forming the particles; for example, there is no distinction between inorganic / organic matter, or solid / liquid (fog). Ultimately, it depends only on the size and number of particles.

[0007] Microparticles are generated by various components of the image forming apparatus, but since the amount of microparticles generated increases significantly when only the fixing unit is activated, it is clear that the fixing unit is the primary cause of microparticle generation. In fact, since microparticles are detected when the aforementioned lubricant is heated to a high temperature, the lubricant is also a source of microparticle generation. This is because, by heating the lubricant to a high temperature, a very small portion of its components evaporates as a high-temperature gas, which then condenses upon cooling, forming microparticles. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the lubricant from being exposed to high-temperature environments to suppress the generation of microparticles from the image forming apparatus.

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-164453 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to suppress the generation of particulate matter.

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention relates to a heating device characterized by comprising: a rotating body that is held to rotate; a heating source for heating the rotating body; a rotating body holding member that holds both ends of the rotating body in the longitudinal direction; and a liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance attached to the rotating body holding member, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding member is lower than the generation temperature of the particles of the liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance.

[0011] According to the present invention, the generation of particulate matter can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the fixing device according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 The image shown is a perspective view of the fixing device according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 The image shown is an end cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the end side of the fixing device according to this embodiment, cut along the length direction of the fixing belt.

[0017] Figure 6 The image shown is a perspective view of the installation structure of the second shielding component.

[0018] Figure 7 The diagram shows a comparison of the temperature rise of the retaining component in this embodiment and in a conventional example.

[0019] Figure 8 The diagram shows a comparison of the particle generation rates in this embodiment and in previous examples.

[0020] Figure 9 The diagram shows a comparison of the number of particles generated in this embodiment and in previous examples.

[0021] Figure 10 The graph shown is a graph showing the relationship between printing speed and the number of particles produced.

[0022] Figure 11 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the end side of the fixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, cut along the length direction of the fixing belt.

[0023] Figure 12 The image shown is an end cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 13 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the end side of the fixing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, cut along the length direction of the fixing belt.

[0025] Figure 14 The diagram shows a comparison of the particle generation rates in the third embodiment of the present invention and in a conventional example.

[0026] Figure 15 The diagram shows a comparison of the number of particles generated in the third embodiment of the present invention and in a conventional example.

[0027] Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the fixing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 17 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the fixing device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 18 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the fixing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 19 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the fixing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 20 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of other fixing devices to which the present invention can be applied.

[0032] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 An exploded perspective view of the fixing device shown.

[0033] Figure 22 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0034] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 An exploded perspective view of the fixing device shown.

[0035] Figure 24 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0036] Figure 25 yes Figure 24An exploded perspective view of the fixing device shown.

[0037] Figure 26 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0038] Figure 27 It is Figure 26 The shown is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device cut along the length of the fixing belt.

[0039] Figure 28 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0040] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 An exploded perspective view of the fixing device shown.

[0041] Figure 30 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0042] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A cross-sectional view of the retaining structure of the pressure roller shown.

[0043] Figure 32 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of another fixing device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0044] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 A perspective view of the fixing device shown.

[0045] Figure 34 The graph shown is a relationship between the temperature of the lubricant and the concentration of particles generated.

[0046] Figure 35 The image shown is a three-dimensional view of the sample container.

[0047] Figure 36 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the end side of a conventional fixing device cut along the length of the fixing belt.

[0048] Figure 37 The figure shown is a graph of the temperature rise of the retaining component in a previous example.

[0049] Figure 38 The graph shown is a representation of the particle generation rate in a previous example.

[0050] Figure 39 The diagram shown is one embodiment of an inkjet image forming apparatus equipped with a drying device.

[0051] Figure 40 The diagram shown is an example of a drying apparatus.

[0052] Figure 41A diagram showing one embodiment of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings used to explain the present invention, components or constituent parts having the same function or shape are given the same symbol and their description is omitted after being described once, provided they can be identified.

[0054] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, "image forming apparatus" in this specification includes printers, copiers, fax machines, printing presses, or multifunctional peripheral devices combining two or more of these. Furthermore, in the following description, "image forming" refers not only to forming meaningful images with text and graphics, but also to forming images without patterns or other meaningful representations. First, referring to… Figure 1 This will explain the overall structure and operation of the image forming apparatus involved in this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes an image forming section 200 that forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper, a fixing section 300 that fixes the image on the recording medium, a recording medium supply section 400 that supplies the recording medium to the image forming section 200, and a recording medium discharge section 500 that discharges the recording medium outside the apparatus.

[0056] The image forming unit 200 is provided with four processing units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk as imaging units, an exposure device 6 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 2 of each processing unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk, and a transfer device 8 for transferring the image onto a recording medium.

[0057] Each processing unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk has essentially the same structure, except that it contains toners (developers) of different colors corresponding to the color decomposition components of a color image: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Specifically, each processing unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk includes a photoreceptor 2 as an image carrier that bears an image on its surface, a charging unit 3 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 2, a developing apparatus 4 that supplies toners as developers to the surface of the photoreceptor 2 to form a toner image, and a cleaning unit 5 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor 2.

[0058] The transfer device 8 includes an intermediate transfer belt 11, primary transfer rollers 12, and secondary transfer rollers 13. The intermediate transfer belt 11 is an annular belt component, tensioned and supported by multiple support rollers. Four primary transfer rollers 12 are located inside the intermediate transfer belt 11. Through the contact between each primary transfer roller 12 and the photoreceptor 2 via the intermediate transfer belt 11, a primary transfer clamping portion is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 11 and each photoreceptor 2. The secondary transfer roller 13 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 11, forming a secondary transfer clamping portion.

[0059] The fixing unit 300 is equipped with a fixing device 20, which is a heating device for heating the recording medium on which the image has been transferred. The fixing device 20 includes a fixing belt 21 for heating the image on the recording medium and a pressure roller 22 that contacts the fixing belt 21 to form a clamping part (fixing clamping part).

[0060] The recording medium supply unit 400 is provided with a paper feed cassette 14 for holding paper P, which is a recording medium, and a paper feed roller 15 for feeding paper P from the paper feed cassette 14. Hereinafter, "recording medium" will be described as "paper," but "recording medium" is not limited to paper. "Recording medium" includes not only paper, but also OHP sheets or cloth, metal sheets, plastic films, or semi-cured sheets made by pre-impregnating resin into carbon fibers. In addition, "paper" includes not only ordinary paper, but also thick paper, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper and art paper, etc.), tracing paper, etc.

[0061] The recording medium discharge section 500 is provided with a pair of paper discharge rollers 17 for discharging paper P outside the image forming apparatus, and a paper discharge tray 18 for holding the paper discharged by the paper discharge rollers 17.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 1 The printing operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0063] When the image forming apparatus 100 starts printing, the photosensitive elements 2 of each processing unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk, and the intermediate transfer belt 11 of the transfer device 8 begin to rotate. Simultaneously, the paper feed roller 15 begins to rotate and feeds paper P from the paper feed cassette 14. The fed paper P comes to a stop upon contact with a pair of timing rollers 16, and the feeding of paper P temporarily ceases until an image is formed on the paper P.

[0064] In each processing unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk, firstly, the surface of the photoreceptor 2 is charged to a uniform high potential by the charging component 3. Next, the exposure device 6 exposes the surface (charged surface) of each photoreceptor 2 based on image information from the original document read by the original document reading device or print image information instructed to be printed from the terminal. As a result, the potential of the exposed portion decreases, forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photoreceptor 2. Then, the developing device 4 supplies toner to this electrostatic latent image, forming a toner image on each photoreceptor 2. When the toner image formed on each photoreceptor 2 reaches the primary transfer clamp (position of the primary transfer roller 12) as each photoreceptor 2 rotates, it is sequentially and overlappingly transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 11. In this way, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 11. Alternatively, any one of the processing units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk can be used to form a monochrome image, or any two or three processing units can be used to form a two-color or three-color image. Furthermore, after the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11, residual toner on each photoreceptor 2 is removed by the cleaning unit 5.

[0065] The toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 is conveyed to the secondary transfer clamping section (position of the secondary transfer roller 13) as the intermediate transfer belt 11 rotates, and is transferred onto the paper P conveyed by the timing roller 16. Then, the paper P is conveyed to the fixing unit 20, where the toner image on the paper P is heated and pressurized by the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22 to fix the toner image onto the paper P. Next, the paper P is conveyed to the recording media ejection section 500 and ejected onto the paper tray 18 via the paper ejection roller 17. Thus, the series of printing operations ends.

[0066] Next, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The basic structure of the fixing device involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 2 The image shows the fixing device according to this embodiment at the center M (refer to) along the length of the fixing belt 21. Figure 3 (A cross-sectional view of the cut-off central portion.) Additionally, the "length direction" of the fixing tape mentioned here refers to... Figure 3 The direction indicated by arrow X in the diagram refers to the rotation axis direction of the pressure roller 22, or the same direction as the width direction of the paper passing between the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22 (the direction intersecting the paper transport direction). Furthermore, "length direction" in the following description has the same meaning.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the fixing device 20 according to this embodiment, in addition to the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22, also includes a heating tube 23, a clamping part forming member 24, a support member 25, and a reflective member 26 (see reference). Figure 2 ), with retaining component 27 (refer to) Figure 3 Temperature sensor 28 (reference) Figure 2 ).

[0068] The fixing belt 21 is a rotating body (first rotating body or fixing component) that contacts the unfixed toner placement surface of the paper P to fix the unfixed toner (unfixed image) on the paper P.

[0069] Specifically, the fixing belt 21 is an annular belt composed of a base material, an elastic layer, and a release layer layer layered sequentially from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface. The base material layer has a thickness of 30–50 μm and is formed from metallic materials such as nickel or stainless steel, or resin materials such as polyimide. The elastic layer has a thickness of 100–300 μm and is formed from rubber materials such as silicone rubber, foamed silicone rubber, or fluororubber. Because the fixing belt 21 has an elastic layer, no tiny unevenness is formed on the surface of the fixing belt 21 in the clamping part, so heat can be easily and evenly transferred to the toner image on the paper P. The release layer has a thickness of 10–50 μm and is formed from materials such as PFA (a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxy vinyl acid), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), polyimide, polyetherimide, and PES (polyethersulfone). The fixing belt 21, by having a release layer, ensures the release (peelability) of the toner (toner image). Furthermore, for the purpose of miniaturization and low heat capacity, the fixing belt 21 is preferably 1 mm or less in overall thickness and 30 mm or less in diameter.

[0070] The pressure roller 22 is a rotating body (second rotating body or opposing component) that is arranged facing the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21.

[0071] Specifically, the pressure roller 22 consists of a solid iron core, an elastic layer disposed on the outer periphery of the core, and a release layer disposed on the outer periphery of the elastic layer. The core can also be a hollow component. The elastic layer is formed of silicone rubber, foamed silicone rubber, or fluororubber, etc. The release layer is formed of fluororesin such as PFA or PTFE.

[0072] The heating tube 23 is the heating source for heating the fixing belt 21. In this embodiment, a halogen heater is used as the heating tube 23. However, besides a halogen heater, the heating tube 23 can also be other radiant heaters such as carbon heating tubes or ceramic heaters, or it can be a heating source using electromagnetic induction heating. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two heating tubes 23 are arranged inside the fixing belt 21, but the number of heating tubes 23 can be one or more.

[0073] The clamping part forming member 24 is disposed inside the fixing belt 21 and is a member that forms a clamping part N between the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22 under the pressure of the pressure roller 22. The clamping part forming member 24 has a base pad 29 and a sliding sheet 30.

[0074] The base pad 29 is continuously arranged along the longitudinal direction X of the fixing belt 21 and fixed to the support member 25. The shape of the clamping portion N is determined by the pressure applied by the pressure roller 22. As the material of the base pad 29, a heat-resistant material with a heat resistance temperature of 200°C or higher is preferably used. Examples include general heat-resistant resins such as polyethersulfone resin (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide-imide (PAI), or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). By using such a heat-resistant material as the material of the base pad 29, thermal deformation of the base pad 29 within the fixing temperature range can be prevented, and the shape of the clamping portion N can be stabilized. The shape of the clamping portion N, in addition to... Figure 2 In addition to the concave shape shown, it can also be flat or any other shape.

[0075] The sliding sheet 30 is a low-friction component located between the base pad 29 and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 21. By sandwiching the sliding sheet 30 between the base pad 29 and the fixing belt 21, the sliding resistance of the fixing belt 21 relative to the base pad 29 is reduced. Alternatively, when the base pad 29 itself is formed of a low-friction component, it may be configured without the sliding sheet 30.

[0076] The support member 25 is a support member that supports the clamping portion forming member 24 from the side opposite to the pressure roller 22. By supporting the clamping portion forming member 24 with the support member 25, the deflection of the clamping portion forming member 24 caused by the pressure of the pressure roller 22 (especially the deflection along the entire length of the fixing belt 21) is suppressed. As a result, a clamping portion N with a uniform width can be obtained. As the material of the support member 25, in order to ensure rigidity, an ferrous metal material such as SUS or SECC is preferred.

[0077] The reflector 26 is a component that reflects the radiant heat (infrared rays) emitted from the heating tube 23. The radiant heat emitted from the heating tube 23 is reflected by the reflector 26 towards the fixing belt 21, thereby effectively heating the fixing belt 21. In addition, the reflector 26, located between the support member 25 and the heating tube 23, also functions to suppress heat transfer to the support member 25. Thus, heat flow to components that do not directly participate in fixing can be suppressed, thereby achieving energy efficiency. As the material for the reflector 26, metallic materials such as aluminum or stainless steel can be used. In particular, when the reflector 26 is constructed by vapor-depositing high-reflectivity silver onto the surface of an aluminum substrate, the heating efficiency is further improved.

[0078] The retaining member 27 is a pair of rotating retaining members that rotatably hold the fixing belt 21. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the belt holding member 27 is inserted into the inside of both ends of the fixing belt 21 along its length, and rotatably holds the fixing belt 21 from the inside. Furthermore, the terms "both ends along the length" and "ends along the length" of the fixing belt 21 used herein, and in the following description, are not limited to specifying only the outermost edge of the belt 21 along its length. "Both ends along the length" and "ends along the length" include not only the outermost edge of the fixing belt 21 along its length, but also any position within a range from the edge to one-third of the length when the fixing belt 21 is divided into three equal parts along its length. Therefore, the belt holding member 27 can hold not only the area containing the outermost edge of the fixing belt 21 (ends along the length), but also the area not containing the edge of the fixing belt 21 (ends along the length).

[0079] Specifically, the belt holding member 27 has a C-shaped insertion portion 27a that is inserted into the longitudinal end of the fixing belt 21, a limiting portion 27b whose outer diameter is larger than that of the insertion portion 27a, and a fixing portion 27c that is fixed to the side plate described later. The limiting portion 27b is formed to be at least larger than the outer diameter of the fixing belt 21, and limits the deviation (movement in the longitudinal direction) of the fixing belt 21 in the case of deviation in the longitudinal direction X. The insertion portion 27a rotatably holds the fixing belt 21 from the inside by being inserted into the longitudinal end of the fixing belt 21.

[0080] Temperature sensor 28 is a temperature detection component that detects the temperature of the fixing belt 21. In this embodiment, a non-contact temperature sensor is used as temperature sensor 28, which is disposed without contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21. In this case, temperature sensor 28 detects the ambient temperature near the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 21 as the surface temperature of the fixing belt 21. Furthermore, temperature sensor 28 is not limited to a non-contact sensor; it can also be a contact sensor that contacts the fixing belt 21 to detect the surface temperature. For example, known temperature sensors such as thermopile, thermostat, thermistor, or NC sensor can be used as temperature sensor 28.

[0081] The operation of the fixing device 20 according to this embodiment is as follows.

[0082] When driven by a drive source located in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the pressure roller 22 moves towards... Figure 2When the arrow in the diagram rotates, the fixing belt 21 rotates along with the pressure roller 22. Additionally, the heating tube 23 generates heat, which in turn heats the fixing belt 21. At this time, the heat output of the heating tube 23 is controlled based on the temperature of the fixing belt 21 detected by the temperature sensor 28, thereby controlling the temperature of the fixing belt 21 to a predetermined fixing temperature (the temperature at which image fixing can be performed). Then, with the fixing belt 21 at its fixing temperature, when a piece of paper P carrying an unfixed image is fed between the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22 (clamping part N), the paper P is heated and pressurized by the fixing belt 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image on the paper P is fixed onto the paper P.

[0083] Here, in the fixing apparatus having the clamping portion forming member 24 as described above, when the fixing belt 21 rotates, sliding resistance is generated between the fixing belt 21 and the clamping portion forming member 24 because the fixing belt 21 slides relative to the clamping portion forming member 24. To reduce this sliding resistance, a lubricant such as silicone oil, grease, fluorinated grease, or fluorinated oil is generally applied between the fixing belt 21 and the clamping portion forming member 24. The lubricant, for example, includes a sliding sheet 30 (see reference 20) disposed between the base pad 29 of the clamping portion forming member 24 and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 21. Figure 2 In the process, lubricant seeps out from the sliding sheet 30 and is sandwiched between the clamping part forming component 24 and the fixing belt 21.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, in the configuration where the fixing belt 21 is held by a pair of belt holding members 27, the fixing belt 21 slides relative to each belt holding member 27 when the fixing belt 21 rotates. At this time, since sliding resistance is also generated between each belt holding member 27 and the fixing belt 21, a lubricant as described above is also sandwiched between each belt holding member 27 and the fixing belt 21 in order to reduce this sliding resistance.

[0085] Thus, in the configuration of sliding components such as the clamping part forming member 24 and the belt holding member 27, lubricants such as silicone oil, silicone grease, fluorinated grease, and fluorinated oil are generally used to improve the sliding performance of the fixing belt 21. However, as the temperature of the fixing device rises, some of the low-molecular-weight components of the lubricant evaporate and condense due to atmospheric cooling, producing particulate matter, which may be released from the fixing device. Here, "particulate matter" refers to particles released through the process described later. Figure 34 The measurement conditions for the relationship shown are for the microparticles and ultraparticles (hereinafter referred to as "FP / UFP"), which are particles with a diameter of 5.6 nm to 560 nm.

[0086] In recent years, with increasing awareness of environmental issues, there has been a desire to reduce the generation of FP / UFP from products, and there is also a demand for the development of products that generate less FP / UFP in image forming apparatuses.

[0087] Therefore, when exploring countermeasures to suppress the generation of FP / UFP from the fixing device, the inventors first investigated the temperature rise of silicone oil and fluorinated grease used as lubricants and the generation concentration of FP / UFP generated by these lubricants (per 1 cm). 3 An experiment was conducted to investigate the relationship between the number of FP / UFP generated. The results are as follows: Figure 34 As shown.

[0088] This test involves heating a liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance in a sample container within a 1 cubic meter chamber (5 air changes) according to JISA 1901. Figure 35 As shown, the sample container 1000 is a container with a φ22mm and 2mm deep recess 1000a set in a 50mm×50mm×5mm aluminum plate, and the sample is placed in the recess 1000a. The sample container 1000 containing the sample is placed on the hot plate of a heating device (ASONE clean hot plate MH-180CS, ASONE controller MH-3CS) and heated to a set temperature of 250°C. While monitoring the temperature of the hot plate, the FP / UFP number concentration in the chamber is measured using a measuring device (High-Speed ​​Response Particle Size Analyzer FMPS: Rapid Mobility Particle Size Spectrometer, TSI; Model 3091) (average interval during output: 30 seconds). Fluorofluorinated grease and silicone oil are used as lubricants, and the sample volume is 36μl. Figure 34 The solid line in the figure represents the number concentration of FP / UFP generated by fluorinated grease, while the dashed line represents the number concentration of FP / UFP generated by silicone oil. Additionally, in Figure 34 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the hot plate. However, since the temperature rise of the hot plate changes roughly in sync with the temperature rise of the lubricant, the temperature of the hot plate is considered as the temperature of the lubricant here.

[0089] like Figure 34 As shown, in the fluorinated grease (represented by solid lines), FP / UFP generation begins around 185°C, and the concentration of FP / UFP increases sharply above 194°C. Conversely, in the silicone oil (represented by dashed lines), FP / UFP generation begins around 200°C, and the concentration of FP / UFP increases sharply above 210°C. This temperature of sharp concentration increase is taken as the particle generation temperature, and a concentration of 4000 FP / UFP / cm³ within the chamber is defined as the optimal concentration. 3 The above temperatures.

[0090] Thus, FP / UFP is generated in fluorinated grease at 185°C and in silicone oil at 200°C. Therefore, in fixing devices where temperatures may exceed 200°C, FP / UFP may be generated from the lubricant. Therefore, to effectively reduce such FP / UFP, it is important to suppress the temperature rise of the areas prone to FP / UFP generation.

[0091] However, it is still unclear from which part of the fixing unit FP / UFP is generated in the largest quantity. Therefore, the inventors of this invention have conducted in-depth research on the main sources of FP / UFP generation and have found that a large amount of FP / UFP is mainly generated by the lubricant adhering to the belt holding components. The reasons and mechanisms for this generation are explained below.

[0092] Figure 36 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the length end of the fixing belt in a conventional fixing device.

[0093] like Figure 36 As shown, conventional fixing devices, like the fixing device described in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, all have a belt holding member 270 that holds the longitudinal end of the fixing belt 210. To reduce the sliding resistance of the fixing belt 210, a lubricant is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the belt holding member 270. Furthermore, even if no lubricant is actively applied to the outer peripheral surface of the belt holding member 270, the lubricant sandwiched between the fixing belt and the clamping portion forming member flows with the rotation of the fixing belt and thus adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the belt holding member 270.

[0094] Here, in conventional fixing devices, when multiple sheets of paper pass through continuously during fixing, in the non-passing paper area further outward than the maximum paper-passing area (maximum recording medium-passing area) W, the heat accompanying the paper passage is difficult to dissipate, causing the fixing belt 210 to heat up due to heat accumulation. Then, when the heat from the fixing belt 210 is transferred to the belt holding member 270 holding the longitudinal end of the fixing belt 210, the belt holding member 270 also experiences a temperature rise due to the heat from the fixing belt 210. Furthermore, as... Figure 36 As shown, in the configuration where the heating section H of the heating tube 230 extends to the outside of the maximum paper-passing area W, the temperature rise of the fixing belt 210 in the non-paper-passing area becomes more significant, and therefore the temperature rise of the belt holding member 270 also tends to become significant. Thus, in conventional fixing devices, as the temperature rises at the longitudinal end side of the non-paper-passing area of ​​the fixing belt 210, the temperature of the belt holding member 270 holding this longitudinal end side may rise excessively. Therefore, as... Figure 36As shown, a countermeasure is taken to suppress temperature rise by providing a shielding member 310 inside the fixing belt 210. The shielding member 310 is provided between the heating tube 230 and the fixing belt 210 in the non-paper-passing area, and between the heating tube 230 and the belt holding member 270, to shield the radiant heat from the heating tube 230 to the fixing belt 210 and the belt holding member 270.

[0095] However, since the shielding member 310 is directly exposed to radiant heat emitted from the heating tube 230 and becomes very hot, the temperature rise of the shielding member 310 is the main cause of the temperature rise of the tape holding member 270. Especially in small fixing devices, because the diameter of the fixing tape 210 is small, the shielding member 310 and the tape holding member 270 are close to each other, creating an environment where the tape holding member 270 is easily affected by the heat of the shielding member 310. Then, due to the combined effects of the heat from the shielding member 310 and the heat from the non-paper-passing areas of the fixing tape 210, when the temperature of the tape holding member 270 exceeds the aforementioned FP / UFP generation temperature, the temperature of the lubricant adhering to the tape holding member 270 rises, and FP / UFP is generated from the lubricant. Thus, in conventional fixing devices, because the temperature rise of the tape holding member 270 cannot be effectively suppressed, FP / UFP sometimes occurs from the lubricant as the temperature of the tape holding member 270 rises.

[0096] Here, the inventors conducted an experiment to investigate the generation rate (number of FP / UFP per unit time) in a conventional fixing device. Figure 37 The image shows the temperature rise of the holding component when using a conventional fixing device to continuously pass paper through it for 10 minutes for fixing. Figure 38 The figure shows the generation rate of FP / UFP produced by a conventional fixing device during 10 minutes of continuous paper passing.

[0097] First of all, Figure 37 The temperature rise of the retaining component shown is illustrated by measurements taken using a thermocouple to measure the temperature of the retaining component as it passes through the paper continuously for 10 minutes. According to... Figure 37 The results show that in conventional fixing devices, approximately 3 minutes after the paper begins to pass through continuously, the temperature of the holding component exceeds the temperature at which the FP / UFP from the silicone oil increases sharply, reaching 210°C, and further rises to 235°C after 10 minutes. Additionally, at this point, the temperature of the shielding component rises to 340°C. Thus, from... Figure 37 The results show that in conventional fixing devices, the shielding component becomes hot, and the belt holding component is affected by the heat from the shielding component, resulting in a temperature exceeding the FP / UFP generation temperature.

[0098] then, Figure 38 The FP / UFP generation speed shown represents the image forming apparatus equipped with a conventional fixing device installed in a test chamber (volume 2.18m³). 3 The printing speed (number of FP / UFP generated per second) was measured when paper was continuously passed through the chamber for 10 minutes and output as blank paper. The continuous paper-passing printing speed was 60 ppm (pages per minute). Outputting blank paper was used to exclude FP / UFP generated by waxes in the toner from the measurement. The measurement targets were FP / UFP with a particle size of 5.6 nm to 560 nm as specified in the Blue Angel standard.

[0099] from Figure 38 It is known that in image forming apparatuses equipped with conventional fixing devices, after approximately 3 minutes when the temperature of the holding component exceeds 200°C (refer to...) Figure 37 Initially, FP / UFP generation begins. Subsequently, as the temperature of the retaining component further increases, the number of FP / UFPs generated (generation rate) also increases. As a result, the number of FP / UFPs generated within 10 minutes exceeds 4.0 × 10⁻⁶. 11 indivual.

[0100] Thus, from Figure 37 and Figure 38 The test results show that in conventional fixing devices and image forming apparatuses equipped with such fixing devices, when the fixing device operates for 10 minutes to continuously feed paper, the number of FP / UFP generated increases significantly as the temperature of the belt holding member rises. Therefore, it can be said that the lubricant adhering to the belt holding member becomes a source of FP / UFP generation. Thus, in order to effectively reduce the number of FP / UFP emitted from the fixing device, it is important to suppress the temperature rise of the belt holding member and the temperature rise of the lubricant adhering to the belt holding member.

[0101] Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, the following countermeasures are taken to suppress the temperature rise of the belt holding member.

[0102] Figure 4 The figure shown is an end cross-sectional view of the fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, cut off at the end of the fixing belt along its length. Figure 5 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the end side of the fixing device according to this embodiment, cut along the length direction of the fixing belt.

[0103] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing device 20 involved in this embodiment and Figure 36Similar to conventional fixing devices, a shielding member 31 is provided between the heating tube 23 and the belt holding member 27. The structure and function of this shielding member 31 are essentially the same as... Figure 36 The shielding member 310 shown has the same structure and function. As a supplement, the shielding member 31 is fixed to the support member 25 and is formed in an arc shape along the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 21.

[0104] For convenience, the aforementioned shielding member 31 is referred to as the "first shielding member." In this embodiment, a second shielding member 32, serving as another shielding member, is further provided between the first shielding member 31 and the retaining member 27. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram only shows the structure of one end of the fixing belt 21 in the length direction X, but on the other end, in addition to the first shielding member 31, a second shielding member 32 is also provided.

[0105] The second shielding member 32 has a shielding portion 32a formed in an arc shape along the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 21 and is sandwiched between the belt holding member 27 and the side plate 33 (see reference). Figure 5 The mounting section 32b is installed between ( ) . For example Figure 6 As shown, a hole 32c serving as an engaging portion is provided in the mounting portion 32b, which engages with a protrusion 27d provided on the fixing portion 27c of the belt retaining member 27. The second shielding member 32 is mounted onto the belt retaining member 27 by inserting the protrusion 27d of the belt retaining member 27 into the hole 32c. Furthermore, the second shielding member 32 is clamped between and fixed to the belt retaining member 27 and the side plate 33 by inserting a screw 34 through the screw holes 27e and 32d provided on the fixing portion 27c of the belt retaining member 27 and the second shielding member 32, and by tightening the screw 34 to the side plate 33.

[0106] The first shielding member 31 is made of stainless steel sheet and suppresses heat transfer to the belt holder 27 by shielding the radiant heat (infrared rays) released from the heating tube 23 to the belt holder 27. On the other hand, the second shielding member 32 is made of copper plate, which has a better thermal conductivity than the first shielding member 31. While shielding the movement of heat from the first shielding member 31 to the belt holder 27, it also allows the received heat to escape to the side plate 33, thus suppressing heat transfer to the belt holder 27. In particular, in this embodiment, since the side plate 33 is made of a metal material with a better thermal conductivity than the belt holder 27, which is made of a heat-resistant resin material or the like, the heat from the second shielding member 32 can effectively escape to the side plate 33.

[0107] Thus, both the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32 serve as heat transfer suppression members to suppress the transfer of heat from the heating tube 23 to the belt holding member 27. As a result, heat transfer to the belt holding member 27 can be effectively suppressed, and the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27 can be suppressed to a greater extent than before.

[0108] Figure 7 The figure shows the temperature rise of the holding member during 10 minutes of continuous paper feeding using the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 8 The figure shows the generation rate of FP / UFP at this time (number of FPs generated per unit time). Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the figures, solid lines represent the results of this embodiment, while dashed lines represent the results of previous examples for comparison. Furthermore, the conditions for conducting this experiment are the same as described above. Figure 37 and Figure 38 The test conditions shown in the conventional fixing device are the same.

[0109] from Figure 7 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the temperature rise of the retaining component can be significantly suppressed compared to the conventional example. In the conventional example, the temperature of the retaining component exceeded the temperature at which the FP / UFP from the silicone oil increases sharply, i.e., 210°C. In contrast, in this embodiment, the temperature of the retaining component does not exceed 210°C. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the retaining component does not exceed the temperature at which the FP / UFP from the fluorinated grease increases sharply, i.e., 194°C.

[0110] Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the generation of FP / UFP can be effectively suppressed compared to the conventional method. In the conventional example, FP / UFP begins to be generated approximately 3 minutes after the paper starts passing through, and the number of FP / UFP generated (generation rate) further increases thereafter. However, in this embodiment, the generation of FP / UFP can be effectively suppressed even 3 minutes after the paper starts passing through.

[0111] in addition, Figure 9 The graph shown is a comparison of the number (cumulative number) of microparticles (FP / UFP) generated in this embodiment and the conventional example. Figure 9 The results also show that, in this embodiment, the number of FP / UFP generated can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional example.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, as a mechanism for suppressing the temperature rise of the tape holding member (heat transfer suppression member), the fixing apparatus, in addition to the first shielding member 31 (first heat transfer suppression member) disposed between the heating tube 23 and the tape holding member 27, also has a second shielding member 32 (second heat transfer suppression member) disposed between the first shielding member 31 and the tape holding member 27. Therefore, the temperature of the tape holding member during 10 minutes of continuous printing can be suppressed to below 210°C, where the FP / UFP from silicone oil increases sharply. Thus, according to the fixing apparatus of this embodiment, the number of FP / UFP generated by silicone oil can be significantly reduced compared to conventional examples.

[0113] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more effectively reducing FP / UFP caused by the lubricant on the retaining component, it is preferable that the temperature of the retaining component during printing is also lower than the FP / UFP generation temperature caused by the lubricant on the retaining component. Generally, most image forming apparatuses on the market are used for continuous printing of a few minutes or less, and rarely for continuous printing of more than 5 minutes. Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of FP / UFP, it is sufficient to keep the temperature of the retaining component below the FP / UFP generation temperature caused by the lubricant on the retaining component during 10 minutes of continuous printing.

[0114] Furthermore, to more effectively suppress the generation of FP / UFP from silicone oil, it is preferable to keep the temperature of the tape holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing below 200°C, which is the generation temperature of FP / UFP from silicone oil. Further, if the temperature of the tape holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is kept below 194°C, the generation of FP / UFP from fluorinated grease can also be suppressed. Additionally, if the temperature of the tape holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is kept below 185°C, the generation of FP / UFP from fluorinated grease can be suppressed more effectively. Furthermore, when using silicone grease instead of silicone oil, the same effect can be obtained by controlling the temperature of the tape holding component in the same way as in the case of silicone oil. Similarly, when using fluorinated oil instead of fluorinated grease, the same effect can be obtained by controlling the temperature of the tape holding component in the same way as in the case of fluorinated grease.

[0115] Here, the "temperature of the holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing" refers to the temperature of the holding component measured through the following steps. The temperature measurement sequence is as follows: First, the image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing unit (heating unit) is placed in a measurement chamber at 23°C. After the image forming apparatus is powered on, a print indication is given after a standby time (e.g., 60 minutes). The printing conditions are: the default printing speed is set to the fastest printing mode. Additionally, the paper used has a basis weight of 70 g / m². 2For A4 or letter paper sizes, paper that can pass horizontally is called horizontal paper passage, and paper that cannot pass horizontally is called vertical paper passage. "Horizontal paper passage" means the long side of the paper is transported in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and "vertical paper passage" means the short side of the paper is transported in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Then, taking the moment the first sheet is ejected as the start of printing, the temperature of the tape holding component is measured using a thermocouple over a period of 10 minutes. If the continuous printing time is less than 10 minutes due to the capacity of the paper tray or the paper supply tray, the temperature of the tape holding component is measured during the continuous printing time. In addition to the measurement method specified above, measurements can also be taken using equipment and conditions according to Blue Angel's particle standards.

[0116] Furthermore, in the fixing apparatus according to this embodiment, in order to effectively suppress the temperature rise of the belt holding member, the following structure is provided.

[0117] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a gap S is provided between the shielding portion 32a of the second shielding member 32 and the first shielding member 31. Therefore, even if the first shielding member 31 is heated by the heating tube 23 and its temperature rises, the heat from the first shielding member 31 is difficult to transfer to the second shielding member 32 due to the heat insulation effect of the air layer (gap S) between the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32. Thus, since the temperature of the second shielding member 32 is difficult to rise, the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27 can also be effectively suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, the aforementioned gap S is preferably located at least within the range of the heating section H, where the heating tube 23 is disposed, along the length X of the fixing belt 21. In this embodiment, the "heating section" of the heating tube 23 refers to the main heat-generating portion of the tungsten filament housed within the glass tube of the halogen heater; specifically, it refers to the portion where the tungsten filament is wound. Strictly speaking, even the straight portion without the tungsten filament winding may slightly heat up due to electricity, but such a primarily non-heat-generating portion is not included in the heating section.

[0119] Within the area of ​​the heating section H where the heating tube 23 is configured, the first shielding member 31 is directly exposed to radiant heat emitted from the heating tube 23 and is prone to temperature rise. Therefore, it is preferable that the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32 are configured with a gap S between them (non-contact) within the area where the heating section H is configured. This effectively suppresses the movement of heat from the first shielding member 31 to the second shielding member 32, and also effectively suppresses the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27.

[0120] Furthermore, to ensure the gap S between the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32, it is preferable that the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32 are made of plates that are as thin as possible. For example, the thickness of the second shielding member 32 is preferably 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. In this embodiment, the first shielding member 31 is made of a stainless steel plate with a thickness of 0.3 mm, and the second shielding member 32 is made of a copper plate with a thickness of 0.15 mm.

[0121] In addition to copper, the material of the second shielding member 32 can also be steel such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum. Furthermore, the second shielding member 32 is preferably made of a material with a thermal conductivity of 10 W / m·K or higher to allow heat to escape effectively.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, by clamping and mounting the second shielding member 32 between the fixing portion 27c of the retaining member 27 and the side plate 33, the second shielding member 32 is kept in non-contact with the insertion portion 27a of the retaining member 27. Thus, since the second shielding member 32 is in non-contact with the insertion portion 27a of the retaining member 27, heat from the second shielding member 32 is difficult to transfer to the insertion portion 27a, and the temperature rise of the lubricant adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 27a can also be effectively suppressed.

[0123] In the above description of this embodiment, fluorinated grease, fluorinated oil, silicone oil, and silicone grease were cited as substances that generate FP / UFP. However, the present invention can also be applied to cases using other liquid or semi-solid lubricating substances (substances with lubricating properties). Furthermore, in the present invention, a lubricating substance (substance with lubricating properties) refers to a substance that reduces the frictional resistance between parts by being sandwiched between them. Even when liquid or semi-solid lubricating substances other than fluorinated grease, fluorinated oil, silicone oil, and silicone grease are contained in the fixing device, according to the present invention, the temperature rise of the tape holding member and the temperature rise of the lubricating substance adhering to the tape holding member can be suppressed, thus effectively suppressing the generation of FP / UFP. Furthermore, when two or more lubricants are adhering to the tape holding member, it is preferable to control the temperature of the tape holding member during 10 minutes of continuous printing to be lower than the lower of the FP / UFP generation temperatures of these lubricants.

[0124] Furthermore, the temperature rise of the holding component, which is a cause of FP / UFP generation, is more pronounced in image forming apparatuses that process a large number of sheets of paper per unit time. Therefore, the present invention is particularly applicable to image forming apparatuses that process a large number of sheets of paper, and can be expected to have a greater effect. According to the relationship between printing speed and the number of FP / UFPs generated... Figure 10 The number of FP / UFP generated from the fusing unit during 10 minutes of continuous printing becomes particularly high starting near a printing speed exceeding 50 ppm (pages per minute). Therefore, when applying this invention to fusing units or image forming apparatuses with printing speeds of 50 ppm or higher, even greater effects can be expected. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, in the case where the heating tube 23 is disposed inside the holding member 27, the temperature of the holding member 27 is also prone to rise. Therefore, even in a fixing device with this configuration, a greater effect can be expected by applying the present invention.

[0125] Next, embodiments of the present invention that differ from the above-described embodiments (first embodiments) will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, the parts that differ from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described; other parts are substantially the same in configuration and will be appropriately omitted from the description.

[0126] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] exist Figure 11 In the second embodiment shown, the second shielding member 32 is mounted on the side plate 33 via a bracket 35, which serves as a mounting member. Specifically, the bracket 35 is fixed to the side of the side plate 33 opposite to the side with the retaining member 27, and the mounting portion 32b of the second shielding member 32 is mounted on the side of the bracket 35 opposite to the side plate 33.

[0128] In this case, since the second shielding member 32 is not sandwiched between the side plate 33 and the belt holding member 27 as in the first embodiment described above, heat transfer from the second shielding member 32 to the belt holding member 27 can be suppressed. That is, since the second shielding member 32 is disposed non-contactly (without direct contact) with respect to the belt holding member 27, heat transfer from the second shielding member 32 to the belt holding member 27 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the structure of the second embodiment, the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0129] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13In the third embodiment shown, the second shielding member 32 is not made of a component with high thermal conductivity as in the first embodiment, but rather of a component with low thermal conductivity. In this case, by sandwiching the second shielding member 32, made of a component with low thermal conductivity, between the first shielding member 31 and the belt holding member 27, it is difficult for heat from the first shielding member 31 to be transferred to the belt holding member 27. Therefore, the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27 can be effectively suppressed. That is, the second shielding member 32 in the third embodiment functions as a heat transfer suppression member (second heat transfer suppression member) by virtue of its heat insulation effect.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second shielding member 32 is clamped and held by the first shielding member 31 and the retaining member 27, but the second shielding member 32 can also be held by integrally fixing it to the first shielding member 31. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the second shielding member 32 can be configured to be non-contact with the first shielding member 31 and the belt holding member 27, except when it is in contact with them. To effectively suppress heat transfer to the belt holding member 27, the thermal conductivity of the second shielding member 32 is preferably 0.05 W / m·K or less. For example, the second shielding member 32 is preferably made of a component with low thermal conductivity and heat resistance, such as glass wool.

[0132] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The diagram shows the generation speed and number of FP / UFP units generated during a 10-minute continuous paper feed using the fixing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this case, the test conditions are the same as those in the conventional fixing apparatus described above. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the figures, solid lines represent the results of the third embodiment, and dashed lines represent the results of the previous embodiment.

[0133] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in the third embodiment, the number of FP / UFP generated can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional example. Therefore, as in the third embodiment, even when using a configuration with a second shielding member 32 having a heat insulation function, the same effects as in the embodiments described above can be obtained.

[0134] In addition, the following configuration and method are also effective as a way to suppress the temperature rise of the belt holding component.

[0135] exist Figure 16In the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown, a cooling device 36 is provided with a cooling belt holding member 27. The cooling device 36 has an intake fan 37 as an airflow generating member and a duct 38. The intake port 38a of the duct 38 is configured to face the two ends of the fixing belt 21 with the holding member 27 disposed in the longitudinal direction.

[0136] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, a control device 101 is provided, which includes a counting unit 102 for counting the number of consecutive prints, a storage unit 103 for storing a predetermined number of consecutive prints as a criterion for determining whether to operate the cooling device 36, and a determination unit 104 for determining whether to operate the cooling device 36 based on information obtained from the counting unit 102 and the storage unit 103. The number of consecutive prints stored in the storage unit 103 is used to pre-determine the number of consecutive prints that can generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holder 27, based on the correlation between the number of consecutive prints and the temperature of the belt holder 27 obtained through experiments, or the correlation between the number of consecutive prints and the temperature of the lubricant on the belt holder 27, and is set to a value less than the determined number of consecutive prints. For example, when using silicone oil as the lubricant, the number of consecutive prints at 210°C, where the temperature of the belt holder 27 is sufficient to generate FP / UFP from silicone oil, is determined, and the number of prints less than the determined number of consecutive prints is set as the predetermined number of consecutive prints as the criterion for determination.

[0137] In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the counting unit 102 counts the number of consecutive printed sheets, and when the counted number of consecutive printed sheets reaches the predetermined number of consecutive printed sheets stored in the storage unit 103, the cooling device 36 is activated according to the instruction of the determination unit 104. This causes the suction fan 37 to start rotating and draws in air (hot air) near the tape holder 27 via the duct 38. Furthermore, this generates airflow around the tape holder 27, thus cooling the tape holder 27 and suppressing any temperature rise in the tape holder 27. In addition to the suction fan 37 described above, the airflow generating component that generates airflow around the tape holder 27 could also be a blower fan that supplies air to the fixing device 20 (tape holder 27).

[0138] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, when the counted number of consecutive prints reaches the predetermined number of consecutive prints, the cooling device 36 operates, thereby reducing the temperature of the belt holding member 27 before the number of consecutive prints becomes sufficient to generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27. Here, "the counted number of consecutive prints reaches the predetermined number of consecutive prints" refers not only to the instant the counted number of consecutive prints reaches the predetermined number of consecutive prints, but also to the moment when the counted number of consecutive prints exceeds the predetermined number of consecutive prints but does not exceed the number of consecutive prints sufficient to generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature of the belt holding member 27 can be reduced before FP / UFP is generated from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27, preventing the generation of FP / UFP from occurring.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 39 can also be used as information for determining the operating time of the cooling device 36. In this case, the temperature sensor 39, which is a temperature detection component, is arranged facing both ends of the pressure roller 22 in the longitudinal direction, and detects the surface temperature of both ends of the pressure roller 22 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the temperature of the heating roller that does not generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27 is stored in the storage unit 103. That is, the temperature of the pressure roller 22 stored in the storage unit 103 is determined based on the correlation between the temperature of the pressure roller 22 and the temperature of the belt holding member 27, or the correlation between the temperature of the pressure roller 22 and the temperature of the lubricant on the belt holding member 27, to determine the temperature of the pressure roller 22 that can generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27, and is set to a temperature lower than the determined temperature of the pressure roller 22. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 28 that detects the temperature of the fixing belt 21 (see reference 28) can also be used. Figure 2 The temperature of the pressure roller 22 is replaced by the temperature of the pressure roller 22.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 39 rises to a predetermined temperature stored in the storage unit 103, the cooling device 36 is activated according to the instruction of the determination unit 104. Thus, as in the embodiment described above, the belt holding member 27 is cooled by air, and the temperature rise of the belt holding member 27 is suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cooling device 36 may include either an intake fan or an exhaust fan.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the detected temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the cooling device 36 operates, reducing the temperature of the belt holding member 27 before the pressure roller 22 reaches a temperature at which FP / UFP can be generated from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27. Here, "the situation where the detected temperature reaches the predetermined temperature" refers not only to the instant the detected temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, but also to the moment when the detected temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature but does not exceed the temperature at which FP / UFP can be generated from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, the generation of FP / UFP can also be avoided in advance.

[0142] In the above Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiments shown, a cooling device 36 is used to reduce the temperature of the holding member 27, but the method of reducing the printing speed (number of pages printed per unit time) can also be used instead of using a cooling device 36.

[0143] Figure 18 The sixth embodiment of the present invention shown is an embodiment that uses a method to reduce the printing speed. In this case, the control device 101, in addition to the counting unit 102 that counts the number of consecutively printed pages, also has a storage unit 103 that stores a predetermined number of consecutively printed pages, and a determination unit 104 that determines whether to reduce the printing speed based on information obtained from the counting unit 102 and the storage unit 103. The number of consecutively printed pages stored in the storage unit 103 is the same as in the above embodiment, and is set to a value less than the number of consecutively printed pages expected to generate FP / UFP from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27.

[0144] In this embodiment, when the counted number of consecutive printed sheets reaches the number of consecutive printed sheets stored in the storage unit 103, the printing speed is reduced according to the instruction of the determination unit 104. That is, in addition to the image forming operation in the image forming unit 200 and the paper feeding operation in the recording medium supply unit 400, the conveying speed of the paper conveying device is also controlled. In addition, the rotation drive of the pressure roller 22 and the heat generation of the heating tube 23 are also controlled along with this.

[0145] In this way, by reducing the printing speed, the number of sheets of paper passing through the fuser unit 20 per unit time is reduced, thereby reducing the heat generated by the heating tube 23. This, in turn, suppresses the temperature of the tape holding member 27. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the printing speed can be reduced before FP / UFP is generated from the lubricant, the generation of FP / UFP can be prevented, similar to the embodiments described above.

[0146] In addition, such as Figure 19As shown in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the decision to reduce the printing speed can also be based on the temperature of the pressure roller 22 detected by the temperature sensor 39. In the storage unit 103 of this embodiment, similar to the embodiments described above, a temperature set to be lower than the temperature at which FP / UFP is expected to be generated from the lubricant on the belt holding member 27 is stored. In this case, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 39 rises and reaches the predetermined temperature stored in the storage unit 103, the number of prints is reduced. Thus, the temperature of the belt holding member 27 can be reduced before FP / UFP is generated, thereby preventing the generation of FP / UFP from occurring. Furthermore, even in this embodiment, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 28, which detects the temperature of the fixing belt 21, can be used instead of the temperature of the pressure roller 22.

[0147] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the above embodiments, a first shielding member 31 and a second shielding member 32 are provided as heat transfer suppression members to suppress the transfer of radiant heat from the heating tube 23 to the belt holding member 27. However, as long as the temperature of the belt holding member 27 can be suppressed to below 210°C during 10 minutes of continuous printing, the first shielding member 31 may be omitted.

[0148] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the fixing apparatus configured as described above, but can also be applied to fixing apparatuses with various configurations. Hereinafter, several configurations of fixing apparatuses to which the present invention can be applied are illustrated.

[0149] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fixing device 40 shown includes a fixing belt 41 as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 42 as a second rotating body, a heater 43 as a heating source, a heater holder 44 as a heating source holding member, a pressure support member 45 as a support member, a thermistor 48 as a temperature sensing member, and a flange 47 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 21 ).

[0150] Figure 20 The functions and configurations of the fixing belt 41 and the pressure roller 42 shown are the same as those described above. Figure 2 The fixing belt 21 and pressure roller 22 shown are basically the same.

[0151] The heater 43 is a ceramic heater having a plate-shaped substrate and an impedance heating element disposed on the substrate, and heats up by energizing the impedance heating element. The heater 43 is configured to contact the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 41, and the fixing belt 41 is heated from the inside when the heater 43 heats up. In addition, the heater 43 also functions as a clamping part forming component, clamping the fixing belt 41 together with the pressure roller 42 to form the clamping part N.

[0152] The heater holder 44 is a heat source holding component that holds the heater 43. The heater holder 44 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant resin. In this case, since the heater holder 44 is formed with a semi-circular cross-section along the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 41, the rotation track of the fixing belt 41 is defined and limited by the heater holder 44.

[0153] The pressure support 45 is a support component that supports the heater holder 44. By supporting the heater holder 44 with the pressure support 45, the deflection of the heater holder 44 and the heater 43 caused by the pressure of the pressure roller 42 is suppressed, and a clamping portion N of uniform width is formed between the pressure roller 42 and the fixing belt 41. To ensure rigidity, the pressure support 45 is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS).

[0154] Additionally, a thermistor 48, serving as a temperature sensing element, is provided on the pressure support 45. The thermistor 48 detects the temperature of the fixing tape 41 by being in contact with or facing away from the inner circumferential surface of the fixing tape 41.

[0155] The flange 47 is the same as the belt holding member 27 described above, and is a pair of holding members that hold the two ends of the fixing belt 41 in the longitudinal direction. The flange 47 also has a support portion 47a as an insertion portion that is inserted into the fixing belt 41, and a flange portion 47b as a limiting portion that restricts the movement of the fixing belt 41 in the longitudinal direction. At this time, each flange 47 is forceped toward each end of the fixing belt 41 by a force-applying member such as a spring, and is held in the state of being inserted into the fixing belt 41.

[0156] In this type of fixing device 40, when the heater 43 heats up, the temperature of the flange 47 rises, and the temperature of the lubricant adhering to the flange 47 rises, potentially causing FP / UFP to occur. Therefore, by... Figure 20 and Figure 21 The present invention is also applicable to the fixing device 40 shown, which can suppress the temperature rise of the flange 47 and suppress the generation of FP / UFP.

[0157] then, Figure 22 and Figure 23 The fixing device 50 shown is the same as the one described above. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fixing device 40 shown is the same as the fixing device in the diagram, and is a fixing device with a ceramic heater (heater 53). Specifically, Figure 22 and Figure 23The fixing device 50 shown includes a fixing belt 51 as a first rotating body, a pressure member 52 as a second rotating body, a heater 53 as a heating source, a heater holder 54 as a heating source holding member, a reinforcing member 55 as a support member, and a belt holder 57 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 23 ), thermistor 58 (refer to) as a temperature sensing component Figure 23 ), and cover component 59 (see reference) Figure 23 ).

[0158] Figure 22 and Figure 23 The functions and configurations of the fixing belt 51, pressurizing component 52, heater 53, heater holder 54, reinforcing component 55, and belt holder 57 shown are the same as those described above. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fixing belt 41, pressure roller 42, heater 43, heater holder 44, pressure support 45, and flange 47 shown are basically the same.

[0159] A thermistor 58 is disposed on the side of the heater holder 54 opposite to the side holding the heater 53, and detects the temperature of the heater 53 via the heater holder 54. The heating of the heater 53 is controlled according to the temperature detected by the thermistor 58, thereby maintaining the fixing belt 51 at a predetermined fixing temperature.

[0160] The cover component 59 is a box-shaped component made of heat-resistant resin. By arranging the cover component 59 inside the fixing belt 51 in such a way that it faces the heater holder 54 with the heatsensor 58 in between, the corresponding heatsensor 58 is covered by the cover component 59.

[0161] Thus, the fixing device according to the present invention may also include a thermistor 58 for detecting the temperature of the heater 53 and a cover member 59 for covering the thermistor 58.

[0162] then, Figure 24 and Figure 25 The fixing device 60 shown is the same as the one described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fixing device 20 shown is the same as the fixing device, which has a halogen heater (heater 63) as the heat source. Specifically, Figure 24 and Figure 25 The fixing device 60 shown includes a fixing belt 61 as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 62 as a second rotating body, a heater 63 as a heating source, a clamping part forming member 64, a support part 65 as a support member, a reflector plate 66 as a reflector member, and a holding frame 67 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 25 Ring 68 (refer to) is a sliding component Figure 25 ).

[0163] Figure 24 and Figure 25 The functions and configurations of the fixing belt 61, pressure roller 62, heater 63, clamping part forming component 64, support part 65, reflector 66, and holding frame 67 shown are related to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fixing belt 21, pressure roller 22, heating tube 23, clamping part forming member 24, support member 25, reflective member 26, and belt holding member 27 shown are basically the same. In addition, the clamping part forming member 64 has a metal base pad 640 and a fluoropolymer sliding sheet 641 sandwiched between the base pad 640 and the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt 61.

[0164] A ring 68 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 67a, which serves as the insertion part of the retaining frame 67 within the fixing belt 61, and is sandwiched between the longitudinal end edge of the fixing belt 61 and the fixing plate 67b, which serves as a limiting member of the retaining frame 67. When the fixing belt 61 rotates, the ring 68 rotates with the fixing belt 61, or the sliding resistance generated between the fixing belt 61 and the retaining frame 67 is reduced by the sliding of the fixing belt 61 relative to the low-friction ring 68.

[0165] Thus, the fixing device to which the present invention is applicable can also be a device having a ring 68.

[0166] then, Figure 26 and Figure 27 The fixing device 70 shown is the same as the one described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fixing device 20 shown is the same as the one with a halogen heater 73 as the heat source. Specifically, Figure 26 and Figure 27 The fixing device 70 shown includes a fixing belt 71 as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 72 as a second rotating body, a halogen heater 73 as a heat source, a clamping part forming member 74, a reflective member 76, and a belt support member 77 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 27 ), temperature sensor 78, which is a temperature detection component, and guide component 79.

[0167] Figure 26 and Figure 27 The fixing belt 71, pressure roller 72, halogen heater 73, clamping part forming component 74, reflective component 76, belt support component 77, and temperature sensor 78 shown have the same characteristics as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fixing belt 21, pressure roller 22, heating tube 23, clamping part forming component 24, reflective component 26, belt holding component 27, and temperature sensor 28 shown have basically the same functions.

[0168] but, Figure 26 and Figure 27 The reflective member 76 shown reflects the radiant heat (infrared rays) emitted from the halogen heater 73 primarily to the clamping part forming member 74, rather than to the fixing belt 71. The reflective member 76 is formed in a U-shape with its cross-section covering the outer side of the halogen heater 73, and the inner surface 76a of the reflective member 76 opposite the halogen heater 73 becomes a highly reflective surface. Therefore, when radiant heat is emitted from the halogen heater 73, the radiant heat is reflected to the clamping part forming member 74 through the reflective surface 76a of the reflective member 76.

[0169] Thus, the clamping portion forming member 74 is heated by radiant heat emitted from the halogen heater 73 and radiant heat reflected by the reflecting member 76. The heat from the clamping portion forming member 74 is then transferred to the fixing belt 21 within the clamping portion N. In other words, in this case, the clamping portion forming member 74 functions not only as the clamping portion N but also as a heat transfer member for transferring heat to the fixing belt 71 within the clamping portion N. Therefore, the clamping portion forming member 74 is constructed from a metallic material such as copper or aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity.

[0170] Furthermore, the reflective component 76 also functions as a support member (support element) for the clamping portion forming component 74. The reflective component 76 supports the clamping portion forming component 74 along the length of the fixing belt 71, suppresses the deflection of the clamping portion forming component 74, and forms a clamping portion N of uniform width between the fixing belt 71 and the pressure roller 72. To ensure its function as a support member, the reflective component 76 is preferably made of a high-rigidity metal material such as SUS or SECC.

[0171] The guide member 79 is disposed inside the fixing belt 71 and is a component that guides the rotating fixing belt 71 from the inside. The guide member 79 has a guide surface 79a that is curved along the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 71. By guiding the fixing belt 71 along the guide surface 79a, the fixing belt 71 rotates smoothly without large deformation.

[0172] Thus, the fixing apparatus of the present invention can also be configured to transfer the heat of the halogen heater 73 and heat the fixing belt 71 via the clamping part forming member 74 with good thermal conductivity.

[0173] then, Figure 28 and Figure 29 The fixing device 80 shown is the same as the one described above. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fixing device 40 shown is the same as the one used in the example, and it is a fixing device that uses a ceramic heater (heater 83) as a heat source. Specifically, Figure 28 and Figure 29The fixing device 80 shown includes a fixing belt 81 as a first rotating body, a pressure roller 82 as a second rotating body, a heater 83 as a heating source, a holding member 84 as a heating source holding member, a support member 85 as a support member, and an arc-shaped guide member 87 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 29 ), heat diffusion component 88 as heat transfer component, and heat insulation plate 89 as heat insulation component.

[0174] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The fixing belt 81, pressure roller 82, heater 83, holding component 84, support component 85, and arc-shaped guide component 87 shown have the same characteristics as... Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fixing belt 41, pressure roller 42, heater 43, heater holder 44, pressure support 45, and flange 47 shown have essentially the same function. In addition, the holder 84 holds the heat diffusion member 88 and the heat insulation plate 89 in an overlapping state, in addition to the heater 83.

[0175] The heat diffusion component 88 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or iron. The heat diffusion component 88 is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 81, transferring heat generated from the heater 83 to the fixing belt 81. Simultaneously, it contacts the pressure roller 82 via the fixing belt 81, forming a clamping portion N. Furthermore, a heat-conducting grease is applied between the heater 83 and the heat diffusion component 88 to improve the heat transfer efficiency from the heater 83 to the heat diffusion component 88. On the other hand, to suppress heat transfer from the heater 83 to the holding member 84 and the support member 85, a heat-insulating plate 89 is disposed on the opposite side of the surface of the heater 83 facing the heat diffusion component 88.

[0176] When the fixing belt 81 rotates, it slides relative to the heat diffusion member 88. Therefore, a lubricant is applied between the fixing belt 81 and the heat diffusion member 88 to improve sliding performance. In addition, a surface layer such as a glass coating or hard chrome plating with low friction and wear resistance is formed on the sliding surface of the heat diffusion member 88 that contacts the fixing belt 81.

[0177] Even in such a fixing device, if the temperature of the arc-shaped guide 87 rises due to the heat generated by the heater 83, the temperature of the lubricant attached to the arc-shaped guide 87 will rise, which may cause FP / UFP to occur. Therefore, by applying the present invention, the generation of FP / UFP can be suppressed.

[0178] then, Figure 30 and Figure 31The fixing device 90 shown includes an annular belt 91 as a first rotating body, a heating roller 96 as a heating element, a heater 93 as a heating source, a pressure roller 92 as a second rotating body, a clamping part forming member 94, a support member 95, a guide member 98, a lubricant application member 99 as a lubricant supply member, and a bearing 97 (see reference). Figure 31 ( ) fixing device.

[0179] like Figure 30 As shown, the belt 91 is wound around the heating roller 96, the clamping part forming member 94, and the guide member 98. The heating roller 96 is subjected to force in the direction away from the clamping part forming member 94 by springs or the like, thereby imparting a predetermined tension to the belt 91. In this state, the belt 91 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the pressure roller 92.

[0180] The clamping part forming member 94 has a pressing member 940 and a low-friction sliding sheet 941 clamped between the pressing member 940 and the inner peripheral surface of the belt 91. The pressing member 940 is supported by the supporting member 95 and subjected to pressure from the pressure roller 92, thereby forming the clamping part N.

[0181] The heater 93, such as a halogen heater, is disposed inside the heating roller 96. When the heater 93 heats up, the heating roller 96 is heated, and the heat from the heating roller 96 is transferred to the belt 91.

[0182] The lubricant application component 99 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt 91, supplying lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of the belt 91 to improve sliding properties. The lubricant supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the belt 91 is sandwiched between the guide component 98 and the belt 91 and between the clamping part forming component 94 and the belt 91 as the belt 91 rotates, thereby enabling the belt 91 to rotate smoothly.

[0183] Here, the heating roller 96 is typically held by bearings 97, such as sliding bearings or ball bearings, so that it can rotate. The bearings 97, which serve as such rotating body holding components, are mounted at both ends of the heating roller 96 in the axial direction (both ends in the length direction), and are coated with a lubricant to reduce the sliding resistance or rotational torque when the heating roller 96 rotates.

[0184] Therefore, when the heating roller 96 is heated and the bearing 97 is affected by this heat, the temperature of the lubricant adhering to the bearing 97 rises, potentially causing FP / UFP. Therefore, even when... Figure 30The present invention is also preferably applicable to the fixing apparatus shown. For example, by arranging the first shielding member 31 and the second shielding member 32, which are heat transfer suppression members as described above, inside the heating roller 96, heat transfer from the heater 93 to the rotating body holding member (bearing 97) that holds the heating roller 96 can be effectively suppressed. As a result, the number of FP / UFP generated can be reduced, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0185] In addition, this invention can also be applied to Figure 32 and Figure 33 The fixing device 110 shown is configured as follows.

[0186] Figure 32 and Figure 33 The shown fixing device 110 includes a fixing belt 111 as a first rotating body, a fixing roller 116, a pressure roller 112 as a second rotating body, a heater 113 as a heating source, a pressure pad 114 as a clamping part forming member, a guide member 115, a support member 117, a temperature sensor 118 as a temperature detection member, a heat transfer member 119, and a belt holding member 122 as a rotating body holding member (see reference). Figure 33 ).

[0187] Figure 32 The fuser belt 111 shown is wound around the fuser roller 116, the pressure pad 114, the guide member 115, and the heat transfer member 119. The fuser roller 116 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the pressure roller 112.

[0188] Heater 113, such as a ceramic heater, is a planar or plate-shaped heater and is mounted on heat transfer member 119. Heat transfer member 119 is sandwiched between heater 113 and fixing belt 111 and is a component that transfers heat from heater 113 to fixing belt 111. In addition, heat transfer member 119 contacts the inner circumferential surface of fixing belt 111 by the force applied by spring 120 mounted on support member 117.

[0189] The pressure pad 114 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt 111 by the force exerted by other springs 121 mounted on the support member 117. As a result, the pressure pad 114 is pressed onto the pressure roller 112 through the fixing belt 111, and a clamping part N is formed between the fixing belt 111 and the pressure roller 112.

[0190] The guide component 115 is mounted and supported on the support component 117. In addition, a temperature sensor 118 is installed in the guide component 115 to detect the temperature of the fixing belt 111.

[0191] Even in Figure 32In the fixing apparatus 110 shown, a belt holding member 122 is also provided to hold the two ends of the fixing belt 111 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the fixing belt 111 is heated, the temperature of the lubricant attached to the belt holding member 122 may rise, potentially causing FP / UFP. Therefore, even in such a fixing apparatus 110, by applying the present invention, the generation of FP / UFP can be suppressed as effectively as in the embodiments described above.

[0192] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the case where it is applied to the fixing device in the above-described electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, the present invention can also be applied to heating devices other than fixing devices in inkjet image forming apparatuses, such as drying devices that dry liquids such as ink applied to paper.

[0193] Figure 39 The diagram shown is one embodiment of an inkjet image forming apparatus equipped with a drying device.

[0194] Figure 39 The inkjet image forming apparatus 2000 shown includes an image reading device 202, an image forming unit 203, a sheet feeding device 204, a drying device 206, and a sheet discharge unit 207. Additionally, a sheet alignment device 3000 is arranged next to the inkjet image forming apparatus 2000.

[0195] In this inkjet image forming apparatus 2000, when a printing operation is initiated, a sheet of paper or the like, serving as a recording medium, is supplied from the sheet supply device 204. When the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 203, ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 214 of the image forming unit 203 onto the sheet based on image information from the original document read by the image reading device 202 or printing information from a printing instruction from the terminal, thus forming an image on the sheet.

[0196] The sheet with the image formed is selectively guided to either the transport path 222 through the drying device 206 or the transport path 223 that does not pass through the drying device 206. When the sheet is guided to the drying device 206, the drying device 206 promotes the drying of the ink on the sheet, and the sheet is then guided to the sheet discharge section 207 or the sheet alignment device 3000. On the other hand, when the sheet is guided to the transport path 223 that does not pass through the drying device 206, the sheet is directly guided to the sheet discharge section 207 or the sheet alignment device 3000. Furthermore, when the sheet is guided to the sheet alignment device 3000, the sheet is aligned and placed.

[0197] like Figure 40As shown, the drying apparatus 206 includes a heating belt 291 as a first rotating body, a heating roller 292 as a second rotating body, a first heater 293 as a heat source for heating the heating belt 291, a second heater 294 as a heat source for heating the heating roller 292, a clamping part forming member 295, a support member 296 as a support member, a reflective member 297, and a belt holding member 298 as a rotating body holding member that holds the heating belt 291 so that it can rotate.

[0198] The clamping part forming member 295 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 292 across the heating band 291, and forms a clamping part N between the heating band 291 and the heating roller 292. Figure 40 As shown, when the sheet 250 carrying the image (ink I) is conveyed to the clamping part N of the drying device 206, the sheet 250 is heated while being conveyed by the heating belt 291 and heating roller 292 rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure. This promotes the drying of the ink I on the sheet 250.

[0199] exist Figure 40 In the drying apparatus 206 shown, since the heating belt 291 is held rotatably by a pair of belt holding members 298 disposed at both ends in its longitudinal direction, when the heating belt 291 is heated and the temperature of the belt holding members 298 rises, FP / UFP may be generated from the lubricant adhering to the belt holding members 298. Therefore, even in such a drying apparatus 206, by applying the present invention, the temperature rise of the belt holding members 298 can be suppressed, and the generation of FP / UFP can be effectively suppressed.

[0200] In addition, the present invention can also be applied to having, for example Figure 41 The image forming apparatus shown is a lamination processing apparatus.

[0201] Figure 41 The image forming apparatus 4000 shown includes, in addition to the lamination processing apparatus 401, an image forming unit 402 having multiple imaging units 411C, 411M, 411Y, 411Bk, an exposure apparatus 412 and a transfer apparatus 413, a fixing apparatus 403, and a paper supply unit 404 serving as a recording medium supply unit.

[0202] The lamination apparatus 401 is a heating device that heats and presses two sheets of paper inserted between them to thermally press the sheets onto the paper. Specifically, the lamination apparatus 401 includes a sheet supply section 420 for supplying sheet 450, a sheet peeling section 430 for peeling the sheet supplied by the sheet supply section 420 into two sheets, and a hot pressure roller 440, which acts as a rotating body to heat and pressurize the paper and sheet while it is in the state where paper is inserted between the two peeled sheets. The hot pressure roller 440 is heated by a heat source such as a heater. In addition, the two ends of the hot pressure roller 440 in the longitudinal direction are held in a rotatable position by a pair of rotating body holding members such as bearings.

[0203] exist Figure 41 In the image forming apparatus 4000 shown, when paper P, which serves as a recording medium, is supplied from the paper supply unit 404 to the image forming unit 402, an image is formed in the image forming unit 402, and the image is transferred to the supplied paper P. Then, the paper P with the transferred image is conveyed to the fixing unit 403 for image fixing processing. Furthermore, the image forming and transfer operations (operations of each imaging unit 411C, 411M, 411Y, 411Bk, exposure device 412, and transfer device 413) in the image forming unit 402, and the fixing operation in the fixing unit 403, are basically the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore, descriptions are omitted.

[0204] The paper P, after being fixed, is then conveyed to the lamination apparatus 401 and inserted between two peeled sheets. The paper P, sandwiched between the two sheets, is then heated and pressurized by a hot-pressing roller 440, and the sheets and paper P are discharged from the apparatus after being heat-pressed together.

[0205] At this time, when the hot press roller 440 is heated by a heat source such as a heater, and the temperature of the bearing supporting the hot press roller 440 rises, FP / UFP may be generated from the lubricant adhering to the bearing. Therefore, by also applying the present invention to the lamination processing apparatus 401 equipped with such a hot press roller 440, the temperature rise of the bearing holding the hot press roller 440 can be suppressed, and the generation of FP / UFP can be effectively suppressed.

[0206] In summary, the present invention includes a heating device, a fixing device, and an image forming device having at least the following configurations.

[0207] [First Composition]

[0208] The first configuration is a heating device comprising: a rotating body held to be rotatable; a heating source for heating the rotating body; a rotating body holding member holding both ends of the rotating body in the longitudinal direction; and a liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance attached to the rotating body holding member, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding member is lower than the generation temperature of the particles of the liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance.

[0209] [Second Composition]

[0210] The second configuration is a heating device comprising: a rotating body held to be rotatable; a heating source for heating the rotating body; a rotating body holding member holding both ends of the rotating body in the longitudinal direction; and a liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance attached to the rotating body holding member, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding member is below 210°C during 10 minutes of continuous printing.

[0211] [Third Composition]

[0212] The third component is the heating device in the second component, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding component during continuous printing for 10 minutes is below 200°C.

[0213] [Fourth Composition]

[0214] The fourth component is the heating device in the second component, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding component during continuous printing for 10 minutes is below 194°C.

[0215] [Fifth Composition]

[0216] The fifth component is the heating device in the second component, wherein the temperature of the rotating body holding component during continuous printing for 10 minutes is below 185°C.

[0217] [Sixth Composition]

[0218] The sixth component is a heating device in the second or third component, wherein the liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance comprises at least one of silicone oil and silicone grease.

[0219] [Seventh Composition]

[0220] The seventh component is a heating device in the fourth or fifth component, wherein the liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance comprises at least one of silicone oil, silicone grease, fluorinated oil, and fluorinated grease.

[0221] [Eighth Composition]

[0222] The eighth configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 7 described above, wherein the heating source is disposed inside the rotating body holding member.

[0223] [Ninth Composition]

[0224] The ninth configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 8 described above, which includes a heat transfer suppression member to suppress the transfer of heat from the heating source to the rotating body holding member.

[0225] [The 10th component]

[0226] The 10th configuration is the heating device in the 9th configuration described above, wherein the heat transfer suppression member has a first heat transfer suppression member disposed between the heating source and the rotating body holding member, and a second heat transfer suppression member disposed between the first heat transfer suppression member and the rotating body holding member.

[0227] [11th Composition]

[0228] The 11th configuration is the heating device in the 10th configuration described above, wherein the first heat transfer suppression member and the second heat transfer suppression member are configured to not contact each other at least within the range of the heating portion where the heating source is disposed in the length direction of the rotating body.

[0229] [12th Composition]

[0230] The 12th configuration is the heating device in the 10th or 11th configuration described above, wherein the second heat transfer suppression member is configured not to directly contact the rotating body holding member.

[0231] [13th Composition]

[0232] The 13th configuration is a heating device in any of the 10th to 12th configurations described above, wherein the second heat transfer suppression component is composed of a component with a thermal conductivity of 10 W / m·K or higher.

[0233] [The 14th Composition]

[0234] The 14th configuration is the heating device in the 10th or 11th configuration described above, wherein the second heat transfer suppression component is composed of a component with a thermal conductivity of 0.05 W / m·k or less.

[0235] [15th Composition]

[0236] The 15th configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 14 described above, which includes a cooling device for cooling the rotating body holding member, and the cooling device is operated when the number of consecutively printed sheets reaches a predetermined number.

[0237] [Sixteenth Composition]

[0238] The 16th configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 14 described above, comprising: a cooling device for cooling the rotating body holding member, and a temperature detection member for detecting the temperature of the heating device, wherein the cooling device is operated when the temperature detected by the temperature detection member rises to a predetermined temperature.

[0239] [17th Composition]

[0240] The 17th configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 14 above that reduces the printing speed when the number of consecutively printed pages reaches a predetermined number.

[0241] [The 18th Composition]

[0242] The 18th configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 1 to 14 above, comprising: a temperature detection component for detecting the temperature of the heating device, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature detection component rises to a predetermined temperature, the printing speed is reduced.

[0243] [19th Composition]

[0244] The 19th configuration is a heating device in any of the configurations 2 to 7 described above, wherein the printing speed during the continuous printing for 10 minutes is 50 ppm or more.

[0245] [20th Composition]

[0246] The 20th configuration is a fixing device, characterized in that: a heating device of any one of the 1st to 19th configurations is used to heat a recording medium carrying an unfixed image, and to fix the unfixed image onto the recording medium.

[0247] [21st Composition]

[0248] The 21st configuration is an image forming apparatus that includes a heating device of any one of the 1st to 19th configurations or a fixing device of the 20th configuration.

Claims

1. A heating device, characterized in that... include: It is kept as a body capable of rotation; The heating source that heats the rotating body; A rotating body holding component that holds the two ends of the rotating body along its length; A heat transfer suppression component, comprising a first heat transfer suppression component disposed between the heating source and the rotating body holding component, and a second heat transfer suppression component disposed between the first heat transfer suppression component and the rotating body holding component, wherein the second heat transfer suppression component has a thermal conductivity of 10 W / m•K or higher; and A liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance adhering to the rotating body retaining component. The temperature of the rotating body holding component is lower than the generation temperature of the liquid or semi-solid lubricating material particles. The thermal conductivity of the second heat transfer suppression component is higher than that of the first heat transfer suppression component.

2. A heating device, characterized in that... include: It is kept as a body capable of rotation; The heating source that heats the rotating body; A rotating body holding component that holds the two ends of the rotating body along its length; A heat transfer suppression component, comprising a first heat transfer suppression component disposed between the heating source and the rotating body holding component, and a second heat transfer suppression component disposed between the first heat transfer suppression component and the rotating body holding component, wherein the second heat transfer suppression component has a thermal conductivity of 10 W / m•K or higher; and A liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance adhering to the rotating body retaining component. The temperature of the rotating body holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is below 210°C. The thermal conductivity of the second heat transfer suppression component is higher than that of the first heat transfer suppression component.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature of the rotating body holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is below 200°C.

4. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature of the rotating body holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is below 194°C.

5. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature of the rotating body holding component during 10 minutes of continuous printing is below 185°C.

6. The heating device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance includes at least one of silicone oil and silicone grease.

7. The heating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The liquid or semi-solid lubricating substance includes at least one of silicone oil, silicone grease, fluorinated oil, and fluorinated grease.

8. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heating source is located inside the rotating body holding component.

9. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat transfer suppression component is configured to suppress the transfer of heat from the heating source to the rotating body holding component.

10. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first heat transfer suppression component and the second heat transfer suppression component are configured to not contact each other, at least within the range of the heating portion of the heating source disposed in the length direction of the rotating body.

11. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second heat transfer suppression component is configured not to directly contact the rotating body holding component.

12. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second heat transfer suppression component is a component with a thermal conductivity of less than 0.05 W / m·K.

13. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It includes a cooling device for cooling the rotating body holding component. When the number of consecutive printed pages reaches the specified number, the cooling device is activated.

14. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that... include: A cooling device for cooling the rotating body holding component, and A temperature detection component that detects the temperature of the heating device. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection component rises to a specified temperature, the cooling device is activated.

15. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: When the number of consecutive prints reaches the specified number, reduce the printing speed.

16. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that... include: A temperature detection component that detects the temperature of the heating device. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection component rises to a specified temperature, the printing speed is reduced.

17. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printing speed during the continuous 10-minute printing session was above 50 ppm.

18. A fixing device, characterized in that: The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is used to heat the recording medium carrying the unfixed image and fix the unfixed image onto the recording medium.

19. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: The heating device has any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images