Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A fixing device and an image forming apparatus, the fixing device including: a light source unit configured to irradiate a surface of a can accommodating contents with light and fix an image formed on the surface with heat of the light; and a restricting unit that restricts the range of light irradiation so that the light from the light source unit is irradiated to a predetermined range on the surface of the tank, and prevents the light from the light source unit from being irradiated to a range other than the predetermined range.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for manufacturing a printing cylinder by transferring an image developed on a photoreceptor onto the peripheral surface of a cylinder and heating the cylinder to which the image has been transferred to fix the image.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-99571 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Here, when light is irradiated on the surface of the can while the contents are contained in the can and the heat is used to fix the image on the surface, if the area of ​​irradiation is not limited, the temperature of the surface of the can and the contents will rise, which may lead to a decrease in the quality of the contents.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress a temperature increase of the contents in a can when fixing an image on the can surface, compared to a case where the area on the can surface to which light is irradiated is not limited.

[0006] The invention described in Option 1 is a fixing device comprising: a light source portion for irradiating light onto the surface of a tank containing contents and fixing an image formed on the surface using the heat of the light; and a limiting portion for limiting the range of light irradiation so that the light from the light source portion is irradiated onto a predetermined range on the surface of the tank, and on the other hand, the light from the light source portion is prevented from being irradiated onto a range other than the predetermined range.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is configured to allow the light from the light source portion, which is irradiated onto the predetermined range, to pass through the opening.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening portion can be changed to an opening width corresponding to the predetermined range of the surface of the tank.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the fixing device according to claim 3, wherein the change in the opening width is performed by sliding a member constituting a portion of the opening.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the fixing device according to claim 3 , wherein the change in the opening width is performed by rotational movement of a member constituting a portion of the opening.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is a fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the predetermined range is set by at least one of the size of the tank, the posture of the tank, the surface shape of the tank, and the filling rate of the content.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the restriction portion does not rotate relative to the light source portion, and the can is held so as to be rotatable relative to the light source portion and the restriction portion in the circumferential direction of the can.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the fixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotation of the tank in the circumferential direction includes a stop for a predetermined time.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is the fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a cooling unit that cools at least a portion of the surface of the tank in the area other than the predetermined area.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the fixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cooling portion is located on the opposite side of the tank with respect to the regulating portion.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the fixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cooling section is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the regulating section.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is an image forming apparatus including the fixing device according to claim 1.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared to a case where the area of ​​the can surface to which light is irradiated is not limited, it is possible to suppress a temperature increase of the contents in the can when fixing an image on the can surface.

[0020] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the limiting portion can be configured more simply than when the limiting portion does not include a structure for allowing the light from the light source portion, which is irradiated onto a predetermined range, to pass through the opening.

[0021] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the workability associated with image fixing can be improved compared to a case where the opening portion is not provided with a structure capable of changing the opening width to correspond to a predetermined range on the surface of the can.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the structure can be simplified compared to a case where there is no structure for changing the opening width by sliding a member constituting a part of the opening.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the structure can be simplified compared to a case where there is no structure for changing the opening width by rotational movement of a member constituting a part of the opening.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the temperature rise of the contents contained in the tank can be suppressed compared to a case where the predetermined range is not set by at least one of the tank size, tank posture, tank surface shape, and filling rate of the contents.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with a structure in which the can is held rotatable relative to the light source and the restricting portion in the circumferential direction of the can without the restricting portion being non-rotatable relative to the light source, the image can be fixed over the entire circumference of the can.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the rotation of the tank in the circumferential direction does not include a stop for a predetermined time, it is possible to improve the fixing performance of the image.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a temperature rise of the contents can be suppressed compared to a case where the cooling unit for cooling at least a portion of the surface of the can other than the predetermined range is not provided.

[0028] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the cooling portion is not provided and is located on the opposite side of the tank with respect to the regulating portion, a temperature increase of the content can be suppressed.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the cooling unit is not located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the regulating unit, a temperature increase of the content can be suppressed.

[0030] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, compared to a case where the area of ​​the can surface to which light is irradiated is not limited, it is possible to suppress a temperature increase of the contents in the can when fixing an image on the can surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied;

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer unit to which this embodiment is applicable;

[0034] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the transport mechanism before image formation by the transfer unit begins. Figure 3 (a) shows the state of height control of the mounting table. Figure 3(b) shows the state where the mounting platform retreats to the preparation position after height control. Figure 3 (c) indicates a state where image transfer by the transfer unit is started;

[0035] Figure 4 This figure shows a method of transferring an image to a medium having a circular surface. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the state at the start of transfer, Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the state of transfer, Figure 4 (c) is a diagram showing the state at the end of transfer;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure and operation of the fixing unit. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the opening of the fixing portion is closed. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the opening of the fixing portion is opened;

[0037] Figure 6 1 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a heat source according to this embodiment. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing a light source and the like as a heat source provided in the fixing section together with a medium. Figure 6 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the heating time and the surface temperature of the medium;

[0038] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range of the outer peripheral surface of the medium. Figure 7 (a) is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range, Figure 7 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the contents of the media and the angle;

[0039] Figure 8 1 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a heat source according to this embodiment. Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing a light source as a heat source together with a medium. Figure 8 (b) and Figure 8 (c) is a timing chart illustrating an example of the operation of the motor for rotating the medium;

[0040] Figure 9 1 is a diagram illustrating a third structural example of the heat source according to the present embodiment. Figure 9 (a) is a diagram showing a shielding plate constituting a part of a heat source together with a medium. Figure 9 (b) is a diagram showing a shielding plate constituting a portion of a heat source together with a medium;

[0041] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the present embodiment. Figure 10(a) is a diagram illustrating the structure of the first modification example, Figure 10 (b) is a timing diagram illustrating an example of motor operation;

[0042] Figure 11 It is a diagram illustrating the structure of a second modified example of this embodiment.

[0043] Explanation of symbols

[0044] 10-image forming device, 50A, 50B, 500-media, 200-fixing unit, 250-light source, 260, 270, 28A, 28B, 280-shielding plate, 263, 264-movable part, 267, 277, 282, 285-opening, 271, 272-tilt variable plate, 291, 292-fan, 293-motor, 501-outer peripheral surface, 502-predetermined range, 503-contents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is based on digital printing. Digital printing methods include electrophotography and inkjet printing, but in this embodiment, electrophotography is used. In electrophotography, when transferring an image to a medium, the transfer unit contacts the medium. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printed objects include metal, glass, tiles, and other media of various thicknesses and shapes.

[0047] <Device Structure>

[0048] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 to which this embodiment is applied.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a transfer unit 100 , a fixing unit 200 , a medium loading and unloading unit 300 , and a conveying mechanism 400 .

[0050] Although not specifically shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit comprising one or more processors (arithmetic means), a memory serving as a work area for data processing, and a storage device for storing programs and data. The control unit may be a single device that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be provided separately in the transfer unit 100, the fixing unit 200, the conveying mechanism 400, and the like.

[0051] The transfer unit 100 is a unit that transfers an image formed of particles such as toner to the medium 500 .

[0052] The fixing unit 200 is a unit that fixes the image transferred by the transfer unit 100 to the surface of the medium 500 by heating the medium 500 .

[0053] The medium loading and unloading section 300 is a unit that allows a user of the image forming apparatus 10 to load a medium 500 onto a loading table (to be described later) provided on the conveying mechanism 400 .

[0054] The conveying mechanism 400 is provided throughout the entire transfer unit 100, the fixing unit 200 and the media loading and unloading unit 300. Figure 1 As shown by arrows in FIG. 1 , the medium 500 to be printed is conveyed to each unit 100 , 200 , and 300 .

[0055] The medium loading and unloading section 300 is a housing having an opening in a portion thereof for taking in and placing the medium 500. Although detailed description will be given later, a transport track 410 constituting the transport mechanism 400 is present inside the medium loading and unloading section 300 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and a conveying start position and a conveying end position are set. In this embodiment, the conveying start position and the conveying end position are set at the same position. At the position of the conveying track 410 set as the conveying start position and the conveying end position, the mounting table 420 constituting the conveying mechanism 400 is initially arranged (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ). The user holds the clamp 423 (refer to Figure 2 ) is inserted from the opening of the housing of the media loading and unloading unit 300 and mounted on the mounting table 420, thereby enabling the medium 500 to be transported by the transport mechanism 400. After the image is transferred to the medium 500 by the transfer unit 100 and the image is fixed by the fixing unit 200, the mounting table 420 with the medium 500 placed thereon moves along the transport rail 410 and reaches the transport end position. In this state, the user removes the clamp 423 holding the medium 500 from the mounting table 420 and removes it from the opening of the housing of the media loading and unloading unit 300.

[0056] <Structure of Transfer Section 100 >

[0057] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer unit 100 to which this embodiment is applied.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the transfer unit 100 forms an image using charged particles and generates an electric field to transfer the image to the medium 500. The transfer unit 100 includes a developing device 110, a primary transfer roller 120, and an intermediate transfer belt 131. The intermediate transfer belt 131 is stretched between the developing device 110 and the position where the image is transferred to the medium 500 by rollers 132 and 133 and a support roller 140.

[0059] Furthermore, the transfer unit 100 includes a cleaning device 150 for removing particles adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 131 .

[0060] The developing device 110 is a unit that forms an electrostatic latent image of the image to be transferred on the photoreceptor and causes charged particles to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor to develop the image. As the developing device 110, an existing device used in an image forming apparatus based on an electrophotographic method can be used. Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a color image forming process based on four colors including black added to three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan. The developing device 110 is provided for each of these colors. Figure 2 In the figure, the developing devices 110 for each color, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, are described with suffixes Y, M, C, and K indicating the corresponding colors. In the following description, when the developing devices 110 are distinguished by color, the symbols are described with suffixes Y, M, C, and K. However, when the colors do not need to be distinguished, they are described without suffixes.

[0061] The primary transfer roller 120 is a unit for transferring the image formed in the developing device 110 to the intermediate transfer belt 131. The primary transfer roller 120 is arranged to face the photoreceptor of the developing device 110, and the intermediate transfer belt 131 is located between the developing device 110 and the primary transfer roller 120. The primary transfer roller 120 is provided corresponding to the developing devices 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K, respectively. Figure 2 In the figures, each primary transfer roller 120 corresponding to the developing device 110Y, 110M, 110C, 110K of each color is described with a suffix of Y, M, C, or K indicating the corresponding color. In the following description, when the primary transfer roller 120 is distinguished by color, the symbol is described with a suffix of Y, M, C, or K. However, when it is not necessary to distinguish the colors, the symbol is described without a suffix.

[0062] The intermediate transfer belt 131, rollers 132, 133 and the backup roller 140 are units for transferring the image formed in the developing device 110 to the medium 500. Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate transfer belt 131 is hung on rollers 132, 133 and a support roller 140 and stretched, and is moved along the Figure 2 The intermediate transfer belt 131 rotates in the direction of the arrow (in the example shown, counterclockwise). The rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 131 is performed by, for example, setting one or both of the rollers 132 and 133 as rotationally driven rollers and pulling the intermediate transfer belt 131 by the rotation of the rollers.

[0063] In the intermediate transfer belt 131, Figure 2In the structural example, the outer surface becomes the surface for holding the image, that is, the transfer surface. When the intermediate transfer belt 131 passes between the developing device 110 and the primary transfer roller 120, the image is transferred from the photoreceptor of the developing device 110 to the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131. Figure 2 In the structural example shown, images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are overlapped on the transfer surface through the developing devices 110Y, 110M, 110C, 110K and the primary transfer rollers 120Y, 120M, 120C, 120K, thereby forming a multi-color image.

[0064] The backup roller 140 brings the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 into contact with the medium 500, thereby transferring the image to the medium 500. This transfer is called secondary transfer. During secondary transfer of the image, a predetermined voltage is applied to the backup roller 140. This generates an electric field, known as a transfer electric field, within the area encompassing the backup roller 140 and the medium 500, and the image, formed of charged particles, is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500. Thus, secondary transfer of the image from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500 requires the flow of current from the backup roller 140 through the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500. If the medium 500 is a conductor such as metal, the current flows through the medium 500 itself, generating a transfer electric field that causes the image to be secondary transferred to the surface of the medium 500. On the other hand, if the medium 500 is not a conductor, the current does not flow through the medium, and secondary transfer of the image is not possible in this state. Therefore, when a non-conductive material is used as the medium 500, a conductive layer made of a conductive material is formed in advance on the surface of the medium 500 at least in the area where an image is to be formed, so that current is passed through the medium 500.

[0065] The steps of image transfer using the intermediate transfer belt 131 will be described.

[0066] As the intermediate transfer belt 131 rotates, images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are sequentially superimposed on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 (at the top) via the developing devices 110Y, 110M, 110C, and 110K and the primary transfer rollers 120Y, 120M, 120C, and 120K. Figure 2 In the middle, it is the outer surface), forming a multi-color image.

[0067] As the intermediate transfer belt 131 rotates further, the image formed on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 reaches the transfer position, where the intermediate transfer belt 131 contacts the medium 500. Therefore, as described above, a voltage is applied to the support roller 140 to generate a transfer electric field, and the image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500. Furthermore, at the transfer position, the direction in which the intermediate transfer belt 131 travels is parallel to the direction in which it is transported by the mounting table 420 of the transport mechanism 400, and coincides with the direction in which the image is transferred to the medium 500.

[0068] The cleaning device 150 is a unit that removes particles adhering to the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131. The cleaning device 150 is located downstream of the transfer position in the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 131 and upstream of the developing device 110Y and the primary transfer roller 120Y. Thus, after the image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500, particles remaining on the transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 131 are removed by the cleaning device 150. Then, in the next operation cycle, the image is re-transferred (primary transfer) to the transfer surface from which the particles have been removed.

[0069] <Structure of the Conveyor Mechanism 400 and Mounting Structure of the Medium 500>

[0070] Here, the mounting structure for the media 500 will be described. In this embodiment, media 500 of various thicknesses and shapes are assumed. When the media 500 is directly placed on a conveyor path formed by a belt or roller for transport, varying thicknesses and shapes of the media 500 result in varying heights relative to the conveyor path at the transfer position of the transfer unit 100. This makes it difficult to bring the intermediate transfer belt 131 into contact with the media 500. Specifically, if the height of the media 500 is low, the media 500 will not contact the intermediate transfer belt 131. However, if the height of the media 500 is high, contact with the intermediate transfer belt 131 may cause a strong impact. Therefore, the transport mechanism 400 of this embodiment places the media 500 on a mounting table 420 equipped with a height control member, and transports the media 500 along with the mounting table 420.

[0071] refer to Figure 2 The transport mechanism 400 includes a transport rail 410 that defines a transport path for the medium 500 and a mounting platform 420 that moves on the transport rail 410. The mounting platform 420 includes legs 421 mounted on the transport rail 410 and a base 422 for placing the medium 500. Furthermore, a clamp 423 is mounted on the base 422 to hold the medium 500.

[0072] exist Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, the transport rail 410 extends from the media loading and unloading section 300 to the transfer section 100 via the fixing section 200. The end of the transport rail 410 on the media loading and unloading section 300 side is the transport start position and the transport end position. The mounting table 420 extends from the transport start position of the media loading and unloading section 300 to the transfer end position. Figure 1 The image is transferred to the medium 500 in the transfer unit 100. After the image is transferred, the mounting table 420 is moved to the left. Figure 1 The medium 500 is transported in the right direction, and after the image on the medium 500 is fixed in the fixing section 200, it reaches the transport end position of the medium loading and unloading section 300.

[0073] The legs 421 are mounted on the conveyor rail 410 and move along the conveyor rail 410. The mechanism for moving the legs 421 along the conveyor rail 410 is not particularly limited. For example, the legs 421 may be provided with a drive device to enable self-propelled movement, or a mechanism may be provided on the conveyor rail 410 to pull the legs 421. Furthermore, the legs 421 may include a height control mechanism that controls the height of the base 422. The structure of the height control mechanism is not particularly limited. For example, a rack and pinion and a drive motor may be used to move the base 422 up and down. Alternatively, the height of the base 422 may be manually controlled by operating a gear linked to the height of the base 422. Various methods can be used for height control. For example, an input interface for the drive motor control unit may be provided, and the operator of the image forming apparatus 10 may manually input and set height data using the input interface. Alternatively, a sensor may be used to automatically detect the height of the medium 500 mounted on the mounting table 420 and control the drive motor to maintain the appropriate height for the medium 500.

[0074] The base 422 is attached to the legs 421 and serves as a base for placing the medium 500 via the clamp 423. A fixing member (not shown) is provided on the base 422 to position the clamp 423. As long as the clamp 423 is compatible with the fixing member, the clamp 423 can be positioned and attached to the base 422 regardless of its shape.

[0075] Furthermore, the base portion 422 is mounted so as to float and sink relative to the legs 421 in response to pressure from above. This floating structure of the base portion 422 is achieved, for example, by inserting an elastic member into the joint between the base portion 422 and the legs 421. This structure mitigates the impact of the medium 500 held by the clamp 423 mounted on the base portion 422 contacting the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer unit 100.

[0076] The clamp 423 is a device that holds the medium 500 and is attached to the base 422. The portion of the clamp 423 attached to the base 422 has a shape and structure that is compatible with the fixing member of the base 422. Furthermore, the clamp 423 is shaped to hold the medium 500. Therefore, by preparing a clamp 423 that matches the shape and size of the medium 500, media 500 of various shapes and sizes can be placed on the mounting table 420.

[0077] In this embodiment, the medium 500, or medium 500, on which the image is to be formed, is assumed to have a circumferential surface, and the image is transferred circumferentially to the circumferential surface of the medium 500 by the transfer unit 100. Therefore, a clamp 423 is used that has the function of bringing the circumferential surface of the medium 500 into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer unit 100 along the circumferential direction. The details of this clamp 423 will be described later.

[0078] <Preliminary Actions for Image Formation>

[0079] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes the transport mechanism 400 configured as described above, and thus can print on media 500 of various shapes and sizes. However, to prevent the media 500 and the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer unit 100 from contacting and causing a strong impact or non-contact when transferring an image to the media 500, the height of the base 422 is controlled before the image transfer operation begins.

[0080] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the operation of the transport mechanism 400 before the start of image formation by the transfer unit 100 . Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing a state where the height control of the mounting table is performed. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the mounting table retreats to the preparation position after height control. Figure 3 (c) is a diagram showing a state where image transfer by the transfer unit 100 is started.

[0081] When forming an image on the medium 500, first, in the medium loading and unloading section 300 (refer to Figure 1 ), the medium 500 held by the clamp 423 is placed on the mounting table 420 at the conveyance start position of the transfer unit 100. Then, the medium 500 is lowered to a height where it does not contact the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer unit 100 by the height control member of the mounting table 420. The mounting table 420 with the medium 500 placed thereon is then moved below the transfer position of the transfer unit 100.

[0082] Next, the height control of the mounting table 420 is performed ( Figure 3The medium 500 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 131 at the transfer position with a strength suitable for the transferred image. If height control is performed, the information of the appropriate height (hereinafter referred to as "transfer execution height") obtained is stored in the memory of the control unit. Then, the mounting table 420 is lowered to a height at which the medium 500 does not contact the intermediate transfer belt 131, and moves to the preparation position for the transfer operation ( Figure 3 Arrow b) of (a).

[0083] If the mounting table 420 moves to the preparation position, the height of the mounting table 420 is adjusted to the transfer execution height based on the information obtained in the height control. Then, if the mounting table 420 moves to the transfer position ( Figure 3 (b) arrow c), and the medium 500 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 131 at the transfer position, then the image transfer starts ( Figure 3 (c)).

[0084] <Image Transfer to Medium 500 Having a Circular Surface>

[0085] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a method of transferring an image to a medium 500 having a circular surface. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the state at the start of transfer, Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the state of transfer, Figure 4 (c) is a diagram showing the state at the end of transfer. Figure 4 In the example shown, a state is shown in which the image G is transferred to the side surface of the cylindrical medium 500 over half of the circumference.

[0086] In order to form the image G along the circumferential direction on the circumferential surface, i.e., the side surface, of the medium 500, it is necessary to stop the medium 500 at the transfer position of the transfer unit 100 and move the portion of the side surface of the medium 500 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 131 of the transfer unit 100 as the intermediate transfer belt 131 travels. Figure 3 ) The medium 500 is held so that the central axis of the circumferential surface of the medium 500 is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the intermediate transfer belt 131 at the transfer position (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer direction"), and the medium 500 is rotated around the central axis. The rotation direction of the medium 500 is the direction in which the travel of the circumferential surface of the medium 500 is aligned with the transfer direction of the intermediate transfer belt 131 at the position where the intermediate transfer belt 131 contacts the circumferential surface of the medium 500. Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4In the example shown in (c), the medium 500 is shown with the central axis of the circumferential surface perpendicular to the paper surface. Moreover, the intermediate transfer belt 131 travels from the left side to the right side of the figure, and the medium 500 rotates rightward (clockwise) in the figure (see the arrow in the figure).

[0087] When the transfer unit 100 transfers the image G to the medium 500, first, the developing devices 110 (see FIG. 1 ) of each color are used to transfer the image G to the medium 500. Figure 2 ) forms an image G on the intermediate transfer belt 131. Then, if the intermediate transfer belt 131 further advances and the image G formed on the intermediate transfer belt 131 reaches the transfer position, Figure 4 As shown in (a), the image G is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 131 to the medium 500. As the intermediate transfer belt 131 moves further, the medium 500 rotates and the contact portion of the medium 500 moves in the circumferential direction while the image G is transferred. Figure 4 (b) Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 5( c ), the image G on the intermediate transfer belt 131 is transferred to the circumferential surface of the medium 500 along the circumferential direction.

[0088] <Structure of Fixing Section 200>

[0089] After the image is transferred to the medium 500 in the transfer unit 100, it is subsequently fixed in the fixing unit 200. In this embodiment, images are formed on medium 500 of various thicknesses and shapes, so a non-contact fixing process is performed. The fixing unit 200 heats and melts the particles forming the image transferred to the medium 500, fixing them to the surface of the medium 500.

[0090] Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the structure and operation of the fixing unit 200 . Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the opening of the fixing unit 200 is closed. Figure 5 (b) shows the opening of the fixing unit 200 open. The fixing unit 200 includes an inlet 201, which is an opening for loading the medium 500, and an outlet 202, which is an opening for unloading the medium 500. In this embodiment, the inlet 201 and outlet 202 of the fixing unit 200 are provided with opening and closing members, which are configured to open when loading and unloading the medium 500 and close when performing the fixing process.

[0091] Here, the opening on the side where the medium 500 is carried in when the fixing unit 200 performs the fixing process of the image is set as the carrying-in port 201, and the opening on the side where the medium 500 is carried out is set as the carrying-out port 202. In other words, the opening on the side facing the transfer unit 100 is set as the carrying-in port 201, and the opening on the side facing the medium loading and unloading unit 300 is set as the carrying-out port 202. Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 In the example shown in (b), the left opening is the load-in port 201, and the right opening is the discharge port 202. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when the medium 500 is conveyed from the conveyance start position of the medium loading and unloading unit 300 to the transfer unit 100, the medium 500 passes through the fixing unit 200. At this time, contrary to the process during the fixing process, the medium 500 enters the fixing unit 200 from the discharge port 202 and is discharged from the load-in port 201. However, in this embodiment, the load-in port 201 and discharge port 202 are set as described above, based on the operation during the fixing process in the fixing unit 200.

[0092] The fixing unit 200 includes a heat source 210 for heating and fixing. As the heat source 210, various existing light sources 250 such as a halogen lamp, a ceramic heater, and an infrared lamp can be used (see FIG. Figure 6 As the light source 250, a device that irradiates infrared laser light to heat the particles forming the image can be used. The fixing unit 200 of this embodiment is provided with a covering member that can cover the heat source 210, and is configured to expose the heat source 210 during the fixing process.

[0093] exist Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 In the example shown in (b), roll-up shutters 220 and 230 are provided as opening and closing members of the inlet 201 and the outlet 202. The shutters 220 and 230 are closed except when the medium 500 is loaded or unloaded (see Figure 5 (a)) to prevent the internal temperature from dropping. Then, when the medium 500 is brought in, the gate 220 of the inlet 201 is opened, and when the medium 500 is brought out, the gate 230 of the outlet 202 is opened (refer to Figure 5 (b)).

[0094] And, in Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 In the example shown in (b), a roll-up shutter 240 is provided as a covering member for covering the heat source 210. The shutter 240 is closed when the shutters 220 and 230 of the inlet 201 and the outlet 202 are opened (refer to Figure 5 (b)). Thus, even when the inlet 201 and the outlet 202 are opened and the internal temperature drops, the temperature drop of the heat source 210 can be suppressed.

[0095] Here, in Figure 5 In the example shown in (b), both the gate 220 of the inlet 201 and the gate 230 of the outlet 202 are open. This is for ease of explanation. In actual operation, the gate 230 of the outlet 202 is kept closed when the media 500 is loaded, and the gate 220 of the inlet 201 is kept closed when the media 500 is unloaded. This suppresses the internal temperature drop.

[0096] in addition, Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 The shutters 220, 230, and 240 shown in (b) are examples of opening and closing components of the inlet 201 and the outlet 202 and a covering component of the heat source 210. These opening and closing components and covering components are not limited to the above-mentioned structures as long as they can suppress the temperature drop inside the fixing unit 200 or the temperature drop of the heat source 210. For example, Figure 5 (a) Figure 5 Furthermore, the opening and closing member of the discharge port 202 through which the medium 500 after the fixing process passes may be provided with a curtain or air curtain made of a heat insulating material to prevent internal air leakage.

[0097] Here, consider the case where a metal can (beverage can) containing a liquid or other contents is used as medium 500. When the toner image transferred to the metal can is non-contact fixed using radiant heat from heat source 210, the heat is lost to the contents, making it difficult for the toner image to fix on the can surface. Furthermore, increasing the fixing temperature to address this issue increases the temperature of the contents, potentially degrading the quality of the contents.

[0098] Therefore, in this embodiment, a structure is adopted that limits the range of light irradiation on the surface of the can, thereby achieving the goal of ensuring the fixing temperature and suppressing the quality degradation of the content.

[0099] <Heat source 210 (reference Figure 5 )'s first structural example>

[0100] Figure 6 1 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the heat source 210 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing a light source 250 and the like as a heat source 210 included in the fixing unit 200 together with a medium 500. Figure 6 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the heating time and the surface temperature of the medium 500 .

[0101] Figure 6The medium 500 shown in (a) is a can containing contents 503, and is a metal container, i.e., a metal can, such as a steel can, aluminum can, or tin can. More specifically, the contents 503 contained in the can include liquids such as water or wine. Alternatively, the contents 503 may include solid substances.

[0102] A toner image is transferred onto the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500. The toner image may be transferred not only over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 501 but also partially on a portion of the outer peripheral surface 501.

[0103] Further explanation, the first structural example Figure 6 The medium 500 in (a) is basically cylindrical with the outer surface being the outer peripheral surface 501, but is not limited thereto. Even when the medium 500 is basically a rectangular parallelepiped with a planar portion of the outer surface being flat, or when the medium 500 is basically conical with an inclined outer surface, the first structural example can be applied to fix the toner image on the outer surface.

[0104] Figure 6 The heat source 210 according to the first configuration example shown in FIG. 2 ( a ) includes a light source 250 and a shielding plate 260 .

[0105] The light source 250 is a halogen lamp that is an infrared light source, and the light is diffused at a predetermined irradiation angle. The light source 250 irradiates the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500 with light and uses the heat to make the image G (refer to FIG. 1 ) on the outer peripheral surface 501 Figure 4 (c)) A light source for fixing. Another example of the light source 250 is a tungsten lamp, an infrared light emitting diode, or an infrared laser.

[0106] The shielding plate 260 is a plate-shaped member that determines the range of the medium 500 that is illuminated by the light from the light source 250 and the range that is not illuminated. More specifically, the shielding plate 260 includes fixed portions 261 and 262 attached to the fixing unit 200, a movable portion 263 movable relative to the fixed portion 261, and a movable portion 264 movable relative to the fixed portion 262. The movable portion 263 is slidable relative to the fixed portion 261 in the direction indicated by arrow X by a motor 265, and the movable portion 264 is slidable relative to the fixed portion 262 in the direction indicated by arrow X by a motor 266.

[0107] Alternatively, the fixed portions 261 and 262 may be integrally formed. Furthermore, the movable portions 263 and 264 may be slid by either the motor 265 or the motor 266. This simplifies the structure.

[0108] Furthermore, shielding plate 260 has an opening 267, which is a region formed in the gap between movable portion 263 and movable portion 264 through which light from light source 250 passes. Fixed portions 261, 262 and movable portions 263, 264, which constitute a portion of shielding plate 260, can be formed, for example, from aluminum plates or stainless steel plates. Furthermore, light from light source 250 that passes through opening 267 can also be considered to include light reflected by a concave component (not shown).

[0109] The width of opening 267 in the direction indicated by arrow X can be changed by sliding the movable portions 263 and 264. More specifically, the movement directions of movable portion 263 and movable portion 264 are opposite, either moving closer to each other or moving away from each other. Furthermore, the sliding amounts of movable portions 263 and 264 are identical, so that the center position of the opening width does not change even with sliding movement.

[0110] Thus, the opening width of the shielding plate 260 may be increased or decreased within the predetermined range 502 due to, for example, a change in the diameter of the medium 500 . However, the opening width can be changed to the predetermined range 502 by the driving force of the motors 265 and 266 .

[0111] The motors 265 and 266 are operated when the medium 500 is set in the fixing unit 200 , and are not operated when the medium 500 is being fixed by the heat source 210 .

[0112] In addition, in the first structural example, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the fixed portions 261 , 262 and the movable portions 263 , 264 of the shielding plate 260 are planar, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0113] To further illustrate, the light source 250 is along the length direction of the medium 500 ( Figure 6 Furthermore, the shielding plate 260 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the medium 500.

[0114] The light source 250 , the shielding plate 260 , and the medium 500 are positioned relative to each other.

[0115] That is, the shielding plate 260 is positioned relative to the light source 250. More specifically, the shielding plate 260 is positioned so as to reflect the light from the light source 250 and illuminate the medium 500 from the opening 267.

[0116] Furthermore, the medium 500 is positioned relative to the light source 250 or the shielding plate 260. More specifically, the medium 500 is positioned relative to the light source 250 or the shielding plate 260 so that the light from the opening 267 is irradiated onto a predetermined range 502 of the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500. The predetermined range 502 referred to here is a portion of the outer peripheral surface 501, which is an arc portion.

[0117] By this relative positioning, the shielding plate 260 limits the heating area irradiated and heated by the diffused light from the light source 250. That is, the shielding plate 260 irradiates the light from the light source 250 to a predetermined range 502 on the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500, and does not irradiate the outer peripheral surface 501 outside the predetermined range 502.

[0118] In this manner, the range of the light from the light source 250 irradiating the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500 is limited to the predetermined range 502 by the shielding plate 260 .

[0119] Here, when there is a gas such as air in addition to the contents 503 in the medium 500, a void portion 504 exists within the internal space of the medium 500 where the contents 503 are not present. The void portion 504 is a portion of the internal space of the medium 500 and is an area that is not in contact with the contents 503. More specifically, the void portion 504 is the portion sandwiched between the upper surface of the contents 503 and the inner peripheral surface of the medium 500 corresponding to the predetermined range 502.

[0120] With reference to the gap 504, the inner peripheral surface of the medium 500 is an arc, and the upper surface of the content 503 is a chord 505 relative to the arc (refer to Figure 7 (a)). The length of the chord 505 mentioned here is the chord length L (refer to Figure 7 (a)) is the length, ie, the width, of the gap 504 in the direction of arrow X. Furthermore, since the medium 500 is thin, the chord length L of the gap 504 can be considered to be the same as the chord length within the predetermined range 502 .

[0121] Medium 500 is an example of a can, outer peripheral surface 501 of medium 500 is an example of a can surface, and contents 503 are an example of contents. Light source 250 is an example of a light source unit, shielding plate 260 is an example of a restricting unit. Movable portions 263 and 264 are examples of components that constitute a portion of an opening, and opening 267 is an example of an opening.

[0122] Figure 6The graph shown in (b) shows the experimental results when the surface of the medium 500 is heated by the heat of the light source 250. The vertical axis is the surface temperature S of the outer peripheral surface 501 of the medium 500, and the horizontal axis is the time elapsed from the start of heating, that is, the heating time T (seconds). The single-dot chain line represents the case where water is present as the content 503 in the medium 500, and the dotted line represents the case where there is no water in the medium 500. In the case represented by the single-dot chain line and the dotted line, there is no water. Figure 6 Shielding plate 260 is shown in (a). Furthermore, the solid line indicates a case where water is present as content 503 within medium 500 and shielding plate 260 is present within medium 500. The case indicated by the dotted line is referred to as "no water and no shielding plate," the case indicated by the dashed line is referred to as "with water and no shielding plate," and the case indicated by the solid line is referred to as "with water and shielding plate." Shielding plate 260 includes a concave member (not shown) to facilitate clearer experimental evaluation.

[0123] If the surface temperature S of the medium 500 exceeds the fixable temperature S1, the image G (refer to Figure 4 (c) Fixing.

[0124] from Figure 6 As can be seen from the graph (b) of FIG. 1 , in the case without water and a shielding plate (shown by the dotted line), the fixable temperature S1 is reached within the heating time T1. However, in the case without water and a shielding plate (shown by the dotted line), the fixable temperature S1 is not exceeded. This is because the surface temperature is less likely to rise when water is present.

[0125] On the other hand, in the case of water and a shielding plate indicated by a solid line, light is concentrated by the shielding plate and thus reaches the fixable temperature S1 within a heating time T2 (T2>T1).

[0126] Here, for Figure 6 The temperature of the contents 503 of the medium 500 in the experiment shown in (b) is described while comparing the single-point dashed line case where the contents 503 have water but no shielding plate 260 and the solid line case where the contents 503 have water and a shielding plate 260.

[0127] In the case of the single-dot chain line, the portion where light from the light source 250 is reflected is not limited to the predetermined range 502 of the medium 500. Therefore, when the gap 504 is heated, the portion other than the gap 504 is also heated to the fixable temperature S1, and thus the contents 503 are directly heated in the portion other than the gap 504.

[0128] On the other hand, in the case of the solid line, the portion of light reflected from light source 250 is limited to a predetermined range 502 of medium 500 by shielding plate 260. Therefore, light from light source 250 does not irradiate portions other than predetermined range 502 contacting content 503.

[0129] Since heat is transferred to the contents 503 via the gap 504, the temperature rise can be suppressed compared to the case of the single-dot chain line. Furthermore, the predetermined area 502 of the medium 500 can be heated to a fixable temperature before the temperature of the contents 503 reaches the upper limit for maintaining quality.

[0130] By narrowing the opening 267 of the shielding plate 260, the predetermined range 502 that reflects the light from the light source 250 becomes narrower. Therefore, while the conditions for reaching the fixable temperature S1 are met, by narrowing the predetermined range 502 relative to the gap 504, the temperature rise of the contents 503 can be further suppressed. This allows for even relatively low temperatures that could degrade the quality of the contents 503.

[0131] Figure 7 5 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range 502 of an outer peripheral surface 501 of a medium 500. Figure 7 (a) is a diagram illustrating a predetermined range 502, Figure 7 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio N of the contents 503 in the medium 500 and the angle θ. The ratio N is the value of the contents 503 occupying the internal space of the medium 500, and the angle θ will be described later.

[0132] like Figure 7 For the medium 500 shown in (a), the chord length L of the gap 504 is calculated as follows.

[0133] L=2d·cosθ

[0134] Here, "d" in the above equation is the length of line 507 connecting the center CT of medium 500 and the end 506 of chord 505, and is the radius of medium 500. Furthermore, "θ" in the above equation is the angle formed between line 507 and horizontal line H.

[0135] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), as the ratio N increases, the angle θ approaches 90 degrees, and as the ratio N decreases, the angle θ approaches 0 degrees. The range of the ratio N is 50 to 100%, and the range of the angle θ is 0 to 90 degrees.

[0136] Here, the ratio N on the vertical axis of the graph represents the filling rate, and the filling rate of commercially available products is generally considered to be around 95%. When the filling rate is 95%, the angle θ is approximately 50 degrees.

[0137] Substituting the above values ​​into the equation for calculation, the chord length L is approximately 1.3d.

[0138] As described above, predetermined range 502 is the area where light from light source 250 is reflected on outer peripheral surface 501 of medium 500. The relationship between predetermined range 502 of outer peripheral surface 501 and chord length L of gap 504 will be described. From the perspective of suppressing a temperature rise in contents 503, predetermined range 502 is preferably equal to chord length L, rather than being greater than chord length L. For example, it is more preferable that predetermined range 502 be smaller than chord length L to further suppress the temperature rise.

[0139] The above formula for calculating the chord length L is an example of a calculation condition consisting of the diameter of the medium 500 and the filling rate.

[0140] like Figure 7 In the above description, the predetermined range 502 is set based on the filling rate of the contents 503, i.e., the ratio N, and the size of the medium 500, i.e., the radius d. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined range 502 may be set based on the ratio N or the radius d.

[0141] Furthermore, it is also possible to set the predetermined range 502 based on either the posture of the medium 500 or the surface shape of the medium 500. More specifically, if the medium 500 is cylindrical, it is possible to set the predetermined range 502 based on whether the posture of the medium 500 is upright or horizontal.

[0142] Furthermore, it is conceivable that, in addition to the case where the surface shape of the medium 500 is cylindrical, the predetermined range 502 may be set depending on whether the surface shape of the medium 500 is a prism with a flat surface on the circumference or a conical shape with an inclined circumference. In the case where the chord length L varies depending on the position, such as in the case of a conical shape, the predetermined range 502 may be adjusted to a narrower chord length L.

[0143] To further explain, the predetermined range 502 may be set based on a plurality of combinations of the ratio N, radius d or diameter 2d, posture, and surface shape of the medium 500 , or may be set based on any one of them.

[0144] In this way, it is conceivable that the predetermined range 502 is set based on at least one of the scale N, radius d, posture, and surface shape of the medium 500 .

[0145] <Heat source 210 (reference Figure 5 )'s second structural example>

[0146] Figure 8 2 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the heat source 210 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing a light source 250 as a heat source 210 together with a medium 500. Figure 8 (b) and Figure 8 (c) is a timing chart illustrating an example of the operation of the motor 287 for rotating the medium 500. The heat source 210 is a heat source provided in the fixing unit 200.

[0147] Figure 8 The heat source 210 according to the second structural example shown in (a) has the above-mentioned first structural example (reference Figure 6 The light source 250 of (a)) is provided. Furthermore, the heat source 210 according to the second configuration example includes a shielding plate 270 instead of the shielding plate 260 of the first configuration example.

[0148] The shielding plate 270 of the second structural example has the same structure as the shielding plate 260 of the first structural example (refer to Figure 6 (a)) Same function, but different structure.

[0149] The shielding plate 270 includes tilt-variable plates 271 and 272, each capable of changing its tilt angle relative to the light source 250, a rotational shaft 273 serving as the axis of rotation for the tilt-variable plate 271, and a rotational shaft 274 serving as the axis of rotation for the tilt-variable plate 272. The rotational shaft 273 is located at the end of the tilt-variable plate 271 opposite to the tilt-variable plate 272. The rotational shaft 274 is located at the end of the tilt-variable plate 272 opposite to the tilt-variable plate 271.

[0150] The shielding plate 270 includes a motor 275 connected to the rotating shaft 273 and a motor 276 connected to the rotating shaft 274 .

[0151] The tilt-variable plate 271 rotates relative to the medium 500 about the rotation axis 273 by the driving force of the motor 275. The tilt-variable plate 272 rotates relative to the medium 500 about the rotation axis 274 by the driving force of the motor 276. The tilt-variable plates 271 and 272 rotate in conjunction with each other. When the tilt-variable plate 271 rotates, the tilt-variable plate 272 also rotates. The direction of rotation of the tilt-variable plate 271 is opposite to that of the tilt-variable plate 272. For example, when the tilt-variable plate 271 rotates clockwise, the tilt-variable plate 272 rotates counterclockwise.

[0152] Alternatively, the tilt-variable plates 271 and 272 may be rotated by either the motor 275 or the motor 276. This simplifies the structure.

[0153] The tilt-variable plates 271 and 272 constituting a portion of the shielding plate 270 may be formed of, for example, an aluminum plate or a stainless steel plate.

[0154] The motors 275 and 276 are operated when the medium 500 is set in the fixing unit 200 , and are not operated when the medium 500 is fixed by the heat source 210 .

[0155] The shielding plate 270 has an opening 277 formed in a gap between the tilt variable plate 271 and the tilt variable plate 272. The opening width of the opening 277 in the direction of arrow X can be changed by rotating the tilt variable plates 271 and 272.

[0156] The opening 277 is a region through which light from the light source 250 passes, and can be changed to an opening width corresponding to a predetermined range 502 by the driving force of the motors 275 and 276 .

[0157] Here, in Figure 8 In the second configuration example shown in (a), a motor 287 is provided to generate a driving force for rotating the medium 500. The motor 287 rotates a holding member (not shown) that holds the medium 500. More specifically, the driving force of the motor 287 holds the medium 500 so that it can rotate relative to the heat source 210 in the direction of arrow R. The direction of arrow R represents the circumferential direction of the medium 500, not bidirectionally but in any direction. The direction of arrow R is an example of the circumferential direction of the tank.

[0158] By adopting a structure including such a motor 287, the outer peripheral surface of the medium 500 can be divided into multiple areas and heated sequentially. In other words, the heating area can be changed by rotating the motor 287 in the direction of arrow R, and an image can be fixed in a wide range in the circumferential direction of the medium 500.

[0159] In addition, the first structural example (reference Figure 6 In (a)), the size of the image that can be fixed is within a predetermined range 502. On the other hand, in Figure 8 In the second configuration example shown in (a), an image having a size exceeding a predetermined range 502 can be fixed.

[0160] In addition, when the medium 500 is rotated by the motor 287, the upper surface of the content 503 (refer to Figure 7The chord 505 of (a) will fluctuate, but when the ratio is 95%, the width of the upper surface is narrow, so the fluctuation is relatively small and it is expected that the fluctuation will converge in a relatively short time. It is conceivable that the operation of the motor 287 will not produce fluctuations.

[0161] use Figure 8 (b) Figure 8 (c) will now describe the operation of the motor 287. The motor 287 is operated when the heat source 210 performs fixing.

[0162] exist Figure 8 In the example operation shown in (b), motor 287 operates between time T01 and T02, causing medium 500 to continuously rotate in the direction of arrow R. The time between T01 and T02 is set based on the length (i.e., width) of the fixed image in the direction of arrow R and the rotational speed. This allows for situations where the width of the fixed image is wider than a predetermined range 502 of medium 500, such as when the image is formed over the entire circumference.

[0163] exist Figure 8 In the operation example shown in (c), the medium 500 intermittently rotates in the direction of arrow R. The medium 500 performs an operation of repeatedly rotating in one direction and stopping, that is, intermittent rotation.

[0164] More specifically, when fixing by light source 250 begins at time T11, the first fixing is performed between time T11 and time T12. When the first fixing is completed, motor 287 is operated between time T12 and time T13, causing medium 500 to rotate in the direction of arrow R. This causes the portion of the outer peripheral surface of medium 500 that reflects light from light source 250 to change.

[0165] By heating between times T13 and T14, a second fixation is performed on a portion different from the portion during the first fixation. When the second fixation is complete, motor 287 operates between times T14 and T15, rotating medium 500 in the direction of arrow R. For the final fixation, motor 287 operates between times Tn-1 and Tn. This stops light emission from light source 250. Thus, the rotation of medium 500 includes both a rotating state and a stopped state.

[0166] The time period T13 to T14 is the time period during which the rotation of the medium 500 is stopped, and is an example of a predetermined time period.

[0167] Alternatively, a modification may be considered in which the light source 250 is stopped from emitting light, for example, between time T12 and T13, while the motor 287 is operating. In this modification in which the light source 250 is stopped, the heating time becomes longer when the light source 250 resumes emitting light, compared to a case in which the light source 250 is not stopped, but power consumption can be reduced.

[0168] In other words, when the light emission is not stopped, the time can be shortened compared to when the light emission is stopped.

[0169] In addition, with intermittent rotation Figure 8 Compared with the case of (c) of the action example, the continuous rotation Figure 8 The speed of the action example (b) is slow.

[0170] It is conceivable that the motor 287 provided in the second structural example can also be applied to the first structural example (refer to Figure 6 (a)).

[0171] <Heat source 210 (reference Figure 5 )'s third structural example>

[0172] Figure 9 1 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the heat source 210 according to this embodiment. Figure 9 (a) is a diagram showing a shielding plate 28A constituting a portion of the heat source 210 together with a medium 50A. Figure 9 (b) is a diagram showing a shielding plate 28B constituting a portion of the heat source 210 together with a medium 50B.

[0173] pass Figure 9 (a) The fixing section 200 fixes the medium 50A and the Figure 9 The sizes of the media 50B fixed by the fixing unit 200 in (b) are different. The outer diameter of the media 50B is larger than the outer diameter of the media 50A. Therefore, the predetermined range 502 of the media 50B is larger than the predetermined range 502 of the media 50A.

[0174] In order to cope with this, in the case of the third structural example, it is configured to be able to have different opening widths. Figure 9 (a) shielding plate 28A and Figure 9 (b) Replacement of the shielding plate 28B. That is, shielding plates 28A and 28B having opening widths corresponding to the media 50A and 50B are prepared in advance, and the shielding plates 28A and 28B are used separately according to the media 50A and 50B to be fixed.

[0175] More specifically, the shielding plate 28A includes a main body 281, an opening 282 provided in the main body 281, and a mounting portion 283 for mounting the main body 281 to the fixing unit 200. Furthermore, the shielding plate 28B includes a main body 284, an opening 285 provided in the main body 284, and a mounting portion 286 for mounting the main body 284 to the fixing unit 200.

[0176] The opening widths of the opening 282 of the shielding plate 28A and the opening 285 of the shielding plate 28B are fixed and cannot be changed.

[0177] The mounting portion 283 of the shielding plate 28A and the mounting portion 286 of the shielding plate 28B are not of the same size, but are each of predetermined sizes for positioning with respect to the media 50A, 50B in the fixing unit 200 .

[0178] In addition, in the case of the third structural example, as in the case of the second structural example (refer to Figure 8 (a)) is similar to the embodiment of the present invention, and a motor 287 is provided to rotate the media 50A and 50B during fixing. The operation example of the motor 287 is also similar to the case of the second structural example (refer to Figure 8 (b) Figure 8 (c) is the same as (c).

[0179] <First Modification>

[0180] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the present embodiment. Figure 10 (a) is a diagram illustrating the structure of the first modification example, Figure 10 (b) is a timing chart illustrating an example of the operation of the motors 287 and 293.

[0181] Figure 10 The motor 287 shown in (a) is used to make the second structural example (reference Figure 8 (a)) The medium 500 is rotated by a driving source such as Figure 10 As shown in (b), the medium 500 is operated in an intermittent rotation manner.

[0182] Motor 293 is a driving source for rotating fan 291. Fan 291 is located downstream of the portion heated and fixed by light source 250 and shielding plate 280 in the direction indicated by arrow R. It is used to air-cool the fixed portion. Fan 291 reduces the surface temperature of the fixed media 500.

[0183] exist Figure 10In the case shown in (b), the motor 293 is activated at the time T12 when the first fixing is completed, and the fan 291 starts rotating. As a result, the portion heated during the first fixing is forcibly cooled by air by the fan 291, thereby preventing the heat of the medium 500 heated during fixing from being transferred to the contents 503 (for example, see FIG. Figure 6 (a)).

[0184] <Second Modification>

[0185] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the second variant of this embodiment, corresponding to the above Figure 10 Regarding the same structures of the second modification as those of the first modification, the same reference numerals may be used and their description may be omitted.

[0186] Figure 11 The second modification shown does not have the first modification (reference Figure 10 In addition to the fan 291 provided in (a), the fan 292 is provided at a different position from the fan 291. More specifically, the fan 292 is provided at a position rotated 180 degrees in the direction of arrow R from the shielding plate 280. The fan 292 is rotated by the driving force of the motor 293. The fan 292 is located on the opposite side of the heat source 210 and reduces the surface temperature of the media 500 after fixing.

[0187] The medium 500 is air-cooled by the fan 292, so that the contents 503 (for example, Figure 6 (a)) heating.

[0188] Furthermore, compared to the fan 291 of the first modification, the fan 292 of the second modification is located farther away from the portion heated by the light source 250 and the shielding plate 280 , thereby preventing a temperature rise due to heating and further shortening the fixing time.

[0189] In addition, in the second modification, as Figure 11 As shown, only the fan 292 is provided, but it is also possible to consider providing the fan 291 provided in the first modification (refer to FIG. Figure 10 Furthermore, although the rotation speeds of the fans 291 and 292 are the same, it is also conceivable to adopt a structure in which the fans 291 and 292 are rotated by different motors so that one of them rotates at a higher speed than the other.

[0190] The fans 291 and 292 and the motor 293 are cooling means for cooling the surface of the heated medium 500 and are an example of a cooling unit.

[0191] In this embodiment, as the heat source 210, a structure including a light source 250 and shielding plates 260, 270, 280, 28A, and 28B for determining the area where the light of the light source 250 is irradiated and the area where the light is not irradiated is used to limit the area where the light is irradiated (for example, see Figure 6 (a)), but is not limited thereto. For example, a structure that also includes optical elements such as lenses that utilize the properties of light can also be considered.

[0192] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shielding plates 260 , 270 , 280 , 28A, and 28B constituting a portion of the heat source 210 do not rotate relative to the light source 250 .

[0193] Furthermore, it is also possible to consider a structure in which a portion of the heat source 210 includes an optical element such as a lens instead of the shielding plates 260, 270, 280, 28A, and 28B. As the optical element mentioned here, for example, the following structure can be considered: a polygonal mirror is used to deflect and scan the light from the light source 250, and the light image is guided to a predetermined range 502 (for example, refer to Figure 6 (a)).

[0194] <Note> (1)

[0196] A fixing device comprising:

[0197] a light source unit that irradiates light onto the surface of the can that contains the contents and fixes the image formed on the surface using heat from the light; and

[0198] The limiting portion limits the range of light irradiation so that the light from the light source portion is irradiated to a predetermined range on the surface of the can, and on the other hand, prevents the light from the light source portion from being irradiated to a range other than the predetermined range. (2)

[0200] The fixing device according to (1) is characterized in that

[0201] The limiting portion is configured to allow the light from the light source portion, which is irradiated onto the predetermined range, to pass through the opening. (3)

[0203] The fixing device according to (2) is characterized in that

[0204] The opening portion can be changed to an opening width corresponding to the predetermined range of the surface of the tank. (4)

[0206] The fixing device according to (3) is characterized in that

[0207] The opening width is changed by sliding a member constituting a portion of the opening. (5)

[0209] The fixing device according to (3) is characterized in that

[0210] The opening width is changed by rotationally moving a member constituting a portion of the opening. (6)

[0212] The fixing device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that:

[0213] The predetermined range is set by at least one of the size of the tank, the posture of the tank, the surface shape of the tank, and the filling rate of the content. (7)

[0215] The fixing device according to (1) is characterized in that

[0216] The limiting portion does not rotate relative to the light source portion,

[0217] The can is held so as to be rotatable relative to the light source unit and the restricting unit in a circumferential direction of the can. (8)

[0219] The fixing device according to (7) is characterized in that

[0220] The rotation of the tank in the circumferential direction includes a stop for a predetermined time. (9)

[0222] The fixing device according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising:

[0223] The cooling unit cools at least a portion of the surface of the tank in the range other than the predetermined range. (10)

[0225] The fixing device according to (9) is characterized in that

[0226] The cooling portion is located on an opposite side of the tank relative to the restricting portion. (11)

[0228] The fixing device according to (9) is characterized in that

[0229] The cooling portion is located on the downstream side of the restricting portion in the rotation direction. (12)

[0231] An image forming device comprises the fixing device described in (1).

[0232] According to the invention of (1), compared with a case where the area of ​​the can surface to which light is irradiated is not limited, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise of the contents in the can when fixing an image on the can surface.

[0233] According to the invention of (2), the limiting portion can be configured more simply than when the limiting portion does not include a structure for allowing the light from the light source portion, which is irradiated to a predetermined range, to pass through the opening portion.

[0234] According to the invention of (3), the workability associated with fixing of an image can be improved compared to a case where the opening portion is not provided with a structure capable of changing the opening width to correspond to a predetermined range of the surface of the can.

[0235] According to the invention of (4), the structure can be simplified compared to a case where there is no structure for changing the opening width by sliding movement of a member constituting a part of the opening.

[0236] According to the invention of (5), the structure can be simplified compared to a case where there is no structure for changing the opening width by rotating a member constituting a part of the opening.

[0237] According to the invention of (6), the temperature rise of the contents contained in the tank can be suppressed compared to a case where the predetermined range is not set by at least one of the size of the tank, the posture of the tank, the surface shape of the tank, and the filling rate of the contents.

[0238] According to the invention of (7), compared with a structure in which the tank is held rotatable relative to the light source and the restricting portion in the circumferential direction of the tank without the restricting portion, the image can be fixed over the entire circumference of the tank.

[0239] According to the invention of (8), compared with a case where the rotation of the tank in the circumferential direction does not include a stop for a predetermined time, the fixability of the image can be improved.

[0240] According to the invention of (9), the temperature rise of the contents can be suppressed compared to a case where the configuration is not provided with a cooling unit that cools at least a portion of the surface of the can in an area other than a predetermined area.

[0241] According to the invention of (10), compared with a case where the cooling portion is not provided and is located on the opposite side of the tank relative to the regulating portion, a temperature rise of the content can be suppressed.

[0242] According to the invention of (11), compared with a case where the cooling unit is not provided and is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the regulating unit, a temperature rise of the contents can be suppressed.

[0243] According to the invention of (12), compared with a case where the area of ​​the can surface to which light is irradiated is not limited, the temperature rise of the contents in the can when fixing the image on the can surface can be suppressed.

[0244] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fixing device comprising: a light source unit that irradiates light onto a surface of a can containing a content and fixes an image formed on the surface using heat from the light; and The limiting portion limits the range of light irradiation so that the light from the light source portion is irradiated to a predetermined range on the surface of the can and prevents the light from the light source portion from being irradiated to a range other than the predetermined range.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein The limiting portion is configured to allow the light from the light source portion, which is irradiated onto the predetermined range, to pass through the opening.

3. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein: The opening portion can be changed to an opening width corresponding to the predetermined range of the surface of the tank.

4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein The opening width is changed by sliding a member constituting a portion of the opening.

5. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein The opening width is changed by rotationally moving a member constituting a portion of the opening.

6. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The predetermined range is set by at least one of the size of the tank, the posture of the tank, the surface shape of the tank, and the filling rate of the content.

7. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein The limiting portion does not rotate relative to the light source portion, The can is held so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction of the can relative to the light source unit and the restriction unit.

8. The fixing device according to claim 7, wherein: The rotation of the tank in the circumferential direction includes a stop for a predetermined time.

9. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Also features: The cooling unit cools at least a portion of the surface of the tank in the range other than the predetermined range.

10. The fixing device according to claim 9, wherein The cooling portion is located on an opposite side of the tank relative to the restricting portion.

11. The fixing device according to claim 9, wherein The cooling portion is located on the downstream side of the restricting portion in the rotation direction. 12 . An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 1 .

Images