Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a fixing device that is provided with power supply means for supplying power to heating means and allows lubricant to be supplied to an inner face of belt-like means, and to prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means.SOLUTION: A fixing device comprises: supply means (6) that supplies lubricant to an inner face of belt-like means (1); heating means (2) that generates heat upon energization to heat the belt-like means (1); power supply means (31) that is electrically connected with an end of the heating means (2) to supply power to the heating means (2); and regulation means (24) that is arranged on an outer surface of the heating means (2) and inside the power supply means (31) with respect to an axial direction of the rotation of the heating means (2), and regulates the movement of the lubricant toward the power supply means (31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a fixing device that fixes unfixed developer transferred onto a medium in an image forming apparatus, the technique described in the following Patent Document 1 is known. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-120223 as Patent Document 1, in a heating roller (1) in which a core roller (10), an electrically insulating layer (15), a resistive heating layer (13), and a release layer (14) are laminated, both end portions in the roller axial direction of the resistive heating layer (13) are longer than the release layer (14) and are exposed, and ring-shaped power receiving members (11a, 11b) are attached to the exposed portions, and a configuration in which power is supplied from power supply members (12a, 12b) to the power receiving members (11a, 11b) is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a fixing device provided with power supply means for supplying power to heating means and in which a lubricant is supplied to the inner surface of belt-like means, preventing the lubricant from entering the power supply means is a technical problem.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above technical problem, the fixing device according to the invention described in claim 1 an endless belt-like means, and supply means for supplying a lubricant to the inner surface of the belt-like means, and A heating means that supports and rotates the strip-shaped means and generates heat when energized to heat the strip-shaped means, End of the heating means A terminal portion provided therein and rotatable integrally with the heating means, The terminal portion A power supply means that is electrically connected to and supplies power to the heating means, A restricting means is positioned on the outer surface side of the heating means and inward from the power supply means with respect to the axial direction of rotation of the heating means, to restrict the movement of the lubricant toward the power supply means. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0006] The invention described in claim 2 is a fixing device described in claim 1, The regulating means supported on the outer surface of the heating means, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0007] The invention described in claim 3 is a fixing device according to claim 2, The restricting means, which is composed of an annular elastic body, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] The invention described in claim 4 is a fixing device described in claim 2, The restricting means is composed of an absorbing means for absorbing the lubricant, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0009] The invention described in claim 5 is a fixing device according to claim 2, The restricting means is made of a material that repels the lubricant, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0010] The invention described in claim 6 is a fixing device according to claim 1, The restricting means formed at the end of the heating means, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0011] The invention described in claim 7 is a fixing device according to claim 6, The regulating means constituted by a recess that is locally recessed with respect to the axial direction characterized by comprising the same.

[0012] In order to solve the aforementioned technical problems, According to the invention described in claim 8 Ming fixing device teeth , An endless strip-shaped means, A supply means for supplying lubricant to the inner surface of the strip-shaped means, A heating means that supports and rotates the strip-shaped means and generates heat when energized to heat the strip-shaped means, A power supply means electrically connected to the end of the heating means and supplying power to the heating means, A restricting means is positioned on the outer surface side of the heating means and inward from the power supply means with respect to the axial direction of rotation of the heating means, and is formed at the end of the heating means and The regulating means constituted by a convex portion that is locally formed convex with respect to the axial direction and , characterized by comprising the same.

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 9 includes image holding means, latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the image holding means, developing means for developing the latent image of the image holding means, transferring means for transferring the image of the image holding means to a medium, the fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for fixing the image of the medium, characterized by comprising the same.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 1 ,8 , 9, in a fixing device in which power supply means for supplying power to a heating means is provided and a lubricant is supplied to the inner surface of a belt-shaped means, it is possible to prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means. According to the invention described in claim 2, by adding regulating means to the outer surface of the heating means, it is possible to prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means. According to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means by using an annular elastic body. According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means by absorbing the lubricant with absorbing means.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 5, the regulating means can repel the lubricant, preventing it from entering the external power supply means. According to the invention described in claim 6, the regulating means formed on the heating means can prevent the lubricant from entering the power supply means. According to the invention described in claim 7, lubricant can be stored in the recess to prevent the lubricant from moving to the power supply means. According to the invention described in claim 8, the lubricant can be blocked by the protrusion, thereby preventing the lubricant from moving to the power supply means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the heating roll of Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating roll of Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 2, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 3, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 4, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 5, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Next, with reference to the drawings, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For the sake of easier understanding of the following explanation, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction is the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction is the Y-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction is the Z-axis direction. The directions or sides indicated by the arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are defined as front, rear, right, left, up, down, or front side, rear side, right side, left side, up side, and down side, respectively. Furthermore, in the diagram, a circle with a "·" inside represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the paper, and a circle with an "×" inside represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the paper. In the following explanation using diagrams, diagrams of components other than those necessary for the explanation have been omitted as appropriate for ease of understanding. [Examples]

[0018] Figure 1 is an overall explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In Figure 1, a copier U, as an example of an image forming apparatus, includes an operation unit UI, a scanner U1 as an example of an image reading device, a paper feeder U2, a printer unit U3 as an example of an image recording device, and a paper output unit U4.

[0019] The aforementioned operation unit UI includes, as an example of an input unit, a power button, a copy start key, a copy count setting key, a numeric keypad, and a display unit. The scanner device U1 reads a document (not shown), converts it into image information, and inputs it into the printer unit U3. The paper feeder U2 has multiple paper feed trays TR1 to TR4, which are an example of a paper feed section. Each paper feed tray TR1 to TR4 contains recording paper S, which is an example of a medium. A paper feed path SH1 extends from each paper feed tray TR1 to TR4 toward the printer section U3, which is an example of a medium transport path.

[0020] In Figure 1, the printer unit U3 includes a control unit C and a power supply circuit E that is controlled by the control unit C and supplies power to each component of the printer unit U3. The control unit C receives image information of the original document scanned by the scanner device U1 and image information transmitted from a personal computer, which is an example of an information transmission device (not shown) connected to the copier U. The control unit C processes the received image information into printing information for Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black, and outputs it to a laser drive circuit D, which is an example of a drive circuit for a latent image writing device. The laser drive circuit D outputs the laser drive signal input from the control unit C to exposure devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSk, which are examples of latent image forming means for each color, at a predetermined time.

[0021] Below each exposure unit ROSy~ROSk, the image holding units Uy, Um, Uc, and Uk are positioned as Y, M, C, and K. In Figure 1, the black image-holding unit Uk (K) includes a photoreceptor drum Pk as an example of an image-holding means, a charging corotron CCk as an example of a charging means, and a photoreceptor cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaning means for the image-holding means. The image-holding units Uy, Um, and Uc (Y, M, C) also include photoreceptor drums Py, Pm, and Pc, charging corotrons CCy, CCm, and CCc, and photoreceptor cleaners CLy, CLm, and CLc. In Example 1, the K-colored photoreceptor drum Pk, which is frequently used and experiences significant surface wear, is configured with a larger diameter compared to the other colored photoreceptor drums Py, Pm, and Pc, enabling high-speed rotation and extending its lifespan.

[0022] The photoreceptor drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are uniformly charged by the charging corotrons CCy, CCm, CCc, and CCk, respectively. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drums Py to Pk by the laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk, which are examples of latent image writing light output from the exposure apparatus ROSy to ROSk. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drums Py to Pk is then developed into toner images of the respective colors Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black by the developing roll R0, which is an example of a developing member provided in the developing apparatus Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk, which is an example of a developing means.

[0023] The toner images on the surface of the photoreceptor drums Py~Pk are sequentially transferred in the primary transfer region Q3 by primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, T1k, which are an example of primary transfer means, onto an intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of an intermediate transfer means and an example of an image holding means, thereby forming a multicolor image, or so-called color image, on the intermediate transfer belt B. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is then transported to the secondary transfer region Q4. In the case of black image data only, only the black photoreceptor drum Pk and developer Gk are used, and only a black toner image is formed. After the primary transfer, any residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drums Py~Pk is cleaned by the photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk. Each of the aforementioned image-holding units Uy to Uk and the developing devices Gy to Gk constitute a toner image-forming member Uy+Gy,Um+Gm,Uc+Gc,Uk+Gk, which is an example of a visible image-forming unit.

[0024] A toner dispenser U3a, as an example of a supply mechanism, is located at the top of the printer unit U3. Toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, and Kk, as an example of a developer storage mechanism, are detachably mounted on the toner dispenser U3a. When toner is consumed in the developer units Gy to Gk during image formation, toner is supplied from each toner cartridge Ky to Kk to each developer unit Gy to Gk.

[0025] The intermediate transfer belt B, positioned below the photoreceptor drums Py~Pk, is stretched by an intermediate drive roll Rd as an example of a driving means for the intermediate transfer means, an intermediate tension roll Rt as an example of a tensioning means for applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt B, an intermediate steering roll Rw as an example of a first deviation correction means for correcting deviation and meandering of the intermediate transfer belt B, a plurality of intermediate idler rolls Rf as an example of a driven means, and a backup roll T2a as an example of a counter means for the secondary transfer region. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow Ya by the drive of the intermediate drive roll Rd. The belt module BM, as an example of an intermediate transfer device, is composed of the aforementioned intermediate drive roll Rd, intermediate tension roll Rt, intermediate steering roll Rw, intermediate idler roll Rf, backup roll T2a, primary transfer rolls T1y~T1k, intermediate transfer belt B, etc. In Example 1, the belt module BM is composed of a unit that can be attached to and replaced with the printer unit U3.

[0026] Below the backup roll T2a, a secondary transfer unit Ut is positioned as an example of a transfer transport means. The secondary transfer unit Ut has a secondary transfer roll T2b as an example of a transfer member. The secondary transfer roll T2b is positioned opposite the backup roll T2a. The region where the secondary transfer roll T2b faces the intermediate transfer belt B constitutes a secondary transfer region Q4. In addition, a contact roll T2c, as an example of a contact means for voltage application, is in contact with the backup roll T2a. A secondary transfer voltage with the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the contact roll T2c at a preset time from a power supply circuit E controlled by the control unit C. The aforementioned rolls T2a to T2c constitute a secondary transfer unit T2, which is an example of a secondary transfer means. Furthermore, the intermediate transfer belt B, primary transfer rolls T1y to T1k, secondary transfer unit T2, etc. constitute a transfer apparatus B+T1+T2, which is an example of a transfer means.

[0027] A paper transport path SH2 is located below the belt module BM. The recording paper S fed from the paper feed path SH1 of the paper feed device U2 is transported to the paper transport path SH2 by a transport roll Ra, which is an example of a transport means. The recording paper S in the paper transport path SH2 is fed out by a register roll Rr, which is an example of a delivery means, in accordance with the timing when the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer area Q4, and is guided by paper guides SG1 and SG2, which are examples of media guiding means, and transported to the secondary transfer area Q4. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording paper S by the secondary transfer unit T2 as it passes through the secondary transfer region Q4. In the case of a color image, the toner image that was primary transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording paper S all at once. After secondary transfer, the intermediate transfer belt B is cleaned using a belt cleaner CLB, which is an example of a cleaning means for the intermediate transfer means.

[0028] The recording paper S on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is sent to a media transport belt BH, which is an example of a transport means. The media transport belt BH transports the recording paper S to a fuser device F. The fuser device F, which is an example of a fuser means, has a heating unit Fh, which is an example of a heating unit, and a pressure roll Fp, which is an example of a pressure means, and a fuser region Q5 is formed by the region where the heating unit Fh and the pressure roll Fp face each other and are in contact. The toner image on the recording paper S is heated and fixed by the fuser unit F as it passes through the fuser area Q5. The recording paper S, with the toner image fixed by the fuser unit F, is discharged into the discharge tray TRh, which is an example of a discharge unit. The paper transport path SH is composed of the aforementioned symbols SH1, SH2, etc. Furthermore, the paper transport device SU is composed of the aforementioned symbols SH, Ra, Rr, SG1, SG2, BH, etc.

[0029] (Explanation of the fixing device) In Figure 1, the heating unit Fh of the fixing device F of Example 1 has an endless fixing belt 1 as an example of a strip-shaped means. The fixing belt 1 of Example 1 is an example of a heating means and is supported by a heating roll 2 as an example of a heating element, a drive roll 3 as an example of a driving means, and a fixing pad 4 as an example of a counter means. The heating roll 2 generates heat during the image forming operation to heat the fixing belt 1. The drive roll 3 rotates the fixing belt 1 during image forming. The fixing pad 4 positions the fixing belt 1 against the pressure roll Fp in the fixing region Q5. In addition, a lubricating wick 6 as an example of a supply means is arranged on the inner surface of the fixing belt 1 as an example of a lubrication means. The lubricating wick 6 supplies silicone oil as an example of a lubricant for lubricating the fixing belt 1 and the fixing pad 4 to the inner surface of the fixing belt 1.

[0030] (Explanation of the heating roll) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the heating roll of Example 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating roll of Example 1. In Figures 2 and 3, the heating roll 2 of Example 1 has a core metal 11 as an example of a base layer. The core metal 11 of Example 1 is made of a conductive metal material. The core metal 11 is preferably made of aluminum as an example, but it is also possible to use a conductive alloy such as iron or stainless steel. Furthermore, the core metal 11 of Example 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the direction of the rotation axis. An insulating layer 12, as an example of an insulating part, is formed on the outer circumference of the core metal 11. The insulating layer 12 in Example 1 is made of an electrically insulating material, and as an example, polyimide resin, glass resin, PEEK resin, fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyimidoamide resin, PEKK (polyetherketone ketone) resin, etc. can be used.

[0031] A heating layer 13, which is an example of a heating element, is formed on the outer surface side of the insulating layer 12. The heating layer 13 is composed of a resistance heating element that generates heat when current is applied. Note that the resistance heating element itself is already known, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. On the outer surface side of the heating layer 13, a surface layer 14 is formed, which is an example of an outer layer and an example of an insulating layer. In Example 1, it is desirable that the surface layer 14 be made of an electrically insulating material. If the surface layer 14 is made of a conductive material, current will flow more easily from the heating layer 13, which may necessitate increasing the power capacity of the power supply circuit E or cause problems such as leakage to the fixing belt 1. Therefore, it is desirable that the surface layer 14 be made of an electrically insulating material. Examples of electrically insulating materials that can be used include polyimide resin, glass resin, PEEK resin, fluororesin, polyamide resin, polyimidoamide resin, and PEKK (polyetherketone ketone) resin. Furthermore, in order to cope with contact and abrasion with the fixing belt 1, it is desirable that the surface layer 14 in Example 1 be made of an abrasion-resistant material. Examples of materials that have both electrical insulating and abrasion-resistant properties include polyimide resin, glass resin, PEEK resin, and fluororesin.

[0032] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat transfer efficiency to the fixing belt 1, it is desirable that the surface layer 14 of Example 1 has a lower (thermal resistance) = (thermal conductivity) × (thickness) than the insulating layer 12. In other words, since heat is transferred more easily to the insulating layer 12 and the surface layer 14 sandwiching the heat-generating layer 13, it is desirable that the thermal resistance of the surface layer 14 on the fixing belt 1 side be lower. Therefore, if the surface layer 14 is made of the same PEEK resin as the insulating layer 12, it is possible to lower the thermal resistance by making the thickness of the surface layer 14 thinner than the thickness of the insulating layer 12, which is preferable. In Figure 2, the heating roll 2 of Example 1 has the longest length in the rotation axis direction being the length of the core metal 11 L1, followed by the length of the insulating layer 12 L2, the heating layer 13 L3, and the surface layer 14 L4, with L1 > L2 > L3 ≥ L4. At both ends of the heating layer 13 in the axial direction, silver paste 16 for power supply is applied as an example of an electrode.

[0033] At both ends of the heating roll 2 in the axial direction, terminal sections 21 are provided, which serve as an example of electrodes and are used to supply power. The terminal portion 21 has a contact ring 22 as an example of a contact portion. The contact ring 22 is configured in a ring shape. The inner end of the contact ring 22 is in contact with the silver paste 16. The contact ring 22 is supported by a cover 23, which is an example of a covering. The cover 23 in Example 1 is made of an electrically insulating material. An O-ring 24, as an example of a regulating means, is supported at the axial inner end of the cover 23. The O-ring 24 is supported on the outer surface of the axial end of the surface layer 14, i.e., on the outer surface of the heating roll 2. The O-ring 24 in Example 1 is made of an annular (ring-shaped) elastic body and is supported in close contact with the surface layer 14 by elastic force. The terminal portion 21 of Embodiment 1 is composed of the parts designated by reference numerals 22 to 24.

[0034] A power supply shaft 31, as an example of a power supply means, is positioned inside the contact ring with respect to the radial direction of the heating roll 2. The power supply shaft 31 in Embodiment 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a through-hole 31a is formed inside through which a member can pass in the axial direction. A power supply ring 32 is positioned on the outer circumference of the power supply shaft 31. The power supply ring 32 is in contact with the contact ring 22. The power supply shaft 31 is connected to a power supply circuit (not shown). Therefore, power for heating is supplied to the heating layer 13 via the power supply shaft 31, the power supply ring 32, and the contact ring 22.

[0035] (Effect of Example 1) In the copier U of Embodiment 1, which has the above configuration, when the image forming operation is started, the heating layer 13 is energized, the heating layer 13 generates heat, and the heating roll 2 heats the fixing belt 1, raising the temperature of the fixing area Q5 to a predetermined fixing temperature. Then, the recording paper S passing through the fixing area Q5 is heated and the toner is fixed.

[0036] In a configuration in which a fixing belt is stretched over a heating roll, as shown in Patent Document 1, lubricant is applied to the inner surface of the fixing belt to suppress wear of the fixing belt. The lubricant supplied to the fixing belt adheres to the surface of the heating roll that is in contact with the fixing belt. The adhered lubricant then travels along the surface of the heating roll and reaches the power supply portion at the radial end of the heating roll. If the lubricant enters the power supply portion, it may cause changes in electrical resistance or poor contact, potentially leading to power supply failure.

[0037] In contrast, in Example 1, an O-ring 24 is supported at the axial end of the surface layer 14 that contacts the fixing belt 1. Therefore, the lubricant from the fixing belt 1 is prevented (restricted) from moving outside the O-ring 24. Consequently, the intrusion of lubricant into the contact ring 22, power supply ring 32, and power supply shaft 31, which are located outside the O-ring 24, is suppressed. Thus, the occurrence of poor current flow and power supply is suppressed, and the fixing operation is stabilized.

[0038] In particular, in Example 1, an O-ring 24 is added to the conventional configuration which does not have a restricting means to suppress the intrusion of lubricant. Therefore, there is no need to change the shape of the heating roll 2, and modifications to the existing fixing device F can be kept to a minimum. In addition, the O-ring 24 is a relatively low-cost component, and by utilizing the elasticity of the O-ring 24 itself, it is possible to make it adhere tightly to the surface layer 14 to prevent the intrusion of lubricant. [Examples]

[0039] Next, we will describe Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In this description of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to the components of Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following respects, but is otherwise configured in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 2, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. In Figure 4, the heating roll 101 of Example 2 has an oil-absorbing felt 102 as an example of an absorbent material, which is an example of a regulating means, instead of the O-ring 24 of Example 1. The oil-absorbing felt 102 is supported in contact with the surface of the surface layer 14. The oil-absorbing felt 102 is made of a material capable of absorbing and retaining an oily lubricant.

[0041] (Effect of Example 2) In the heating roll 101 of Embodiment 2 having the above configuration, the lubricant adhering to the surface layer 14 is absorbed by the oil-absorbing felt 102 located at the axial end. Therefore, the lubricant is prevented from entering the contact ring 22 and the like, which are located axially outside the oil-absorbing felt 102. Thus, as in Embodiment 1, the occurrence of power supply failures is suppressed. [Examples]

[0042] Next, we will describe Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this description of Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to the components of Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following respects, but is otherwise configured in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 3, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. In Figure 5, the heating roll 111 of Example 3 is equipped with an oil-repellent material 112 as an example of a regulating means, instead of the O-ring 24 of Example 1. The oil-repellent material 112 is, for example, made of an oleophobic material that repels oil, and is made of a material that repels oily lubricants. Any known oleophobic material can be used for the oil-repellent material 112, and fluororesin can be suitably used.

[0044] (Effect of Example 3) In the heating roll 111 of Embodiment 3 having the above configuration, the lubricant adhering to the surface layer 14 is repelled by the oil-repellent material 112 located at the axial end. Therefore, the lubricant is prevented from penetrating the contact ring 22 and the like, which are located axially outside the oil-repellent material 112. Thus, as in Embodiment 1, the occurrence of power supply failures is suppressed. [Examples]

[0045] Next, we will describe Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In this description of Embodiment 4, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to the components of Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. This embodiment 4 differs from embodiment 1 in the following respects, but is otherwise configured in the same way as embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 4, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. In Figure 6, the heating roll 121 of Example 4 is provided with a recess 122 as an example of a regulating means, instead of the O-ring 24 of Example 1. The recess 122 of Example 4 is formed in a ring shape on the outer surface of the end of the core metal 11.

[0047] (Effect of Example 4) In the heating roll 121 of Embodiment 4 having the above configuration, the lubricant adhering to the surface layer 14 is stored in the recess 122 located at the axial end. Therefore, compared to the configuration without the recess 122, the penetration of lubricant beyond the recess 122 in the axial direction is suppressed. In Embodiment 4, the recess 122 is formed axially inward from the power supply ring 32 and the power supply shaft 31. Therefore, in Embodiment 4, although lubricant may adhere to the axial inner end of the contact ring 22, the penetration of lubricant into the contact portion between the contact ring 22 and the power supply ring 32 and into the power supply shaft 31 is reduced. [Examples]

[0048] Next, we will describe Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In this description of Embodiment 5, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to the components of Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. This embodiment 5 differs from embodiment 1 in the following respects, but is otherwise configured in the same way as embodiment 1.

[0049] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the heating roll in Example 5, and corresponds to Figure 2 in Example 1. In Figure 7, the heating roll 131 of Example 5 is provided with a protrusion 132 as an example of a regulating means, instead of the O-ring 24 of Example 1. The protrusion 132 of Example 5 is formed as a convex shape that protrudes locally in the radial direction at the end of the core metal 11, and is formed in a ring shape along the outer circumferential surface of the core metal 11.

[0050] (Effect of Example 5) In the heated roll 131 of Embodiment 5, which has the above configuration, the lubricant adhering to the surface layer 14 is blocked by the protrusion 132 located at the axial end and stored in the recess 133 located axially inward from the protrusion 132. Therefore, similar to Embodiment 4, Embodiment 5 also suppresses the penetration of lubricant axially outward from the protrusion 132 compared to a configuration without the protrusion 132.

[0051] (Example of change) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. Examples of modifications to the present invention (H01) to (H08) are shown below. (H01) In the above embodiment, a copier was used as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the apparatus is not limited to this, and can also be configured with, for example, a fax machine, a printer, or a multifunction device.

[0052] (H02) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which four colors of developer are used as the image forming apparatus was illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to, for example, a single-color image forming apparatus or a multi-color image forming apparatus with three or fewer colors or five or more colors. (H03) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the insulating layer 12 is directly placed on the surface of the core metal 11 and the heating layer 13 is directly placed on the surface of the insulating layer 12, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to have a configuration in which another layer is interposed between the insulating layer 12 and the heating layer 13, such as when a primer layer coated with a primer to improve wettability and adhesion is provided between the insulating layer 12 and the heating layer 13. (H04) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide the surface layer 14, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which it is not provided.

[0053] (H05) In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the surface layer 14 be made of an insulating material, but it is also possible to make it of a conductive material. (H06) In the above embodiment, it is desirable that the surface layer 14 be made of a wear-resistant material, but it is also possible to make it of a material that is easily worn, for example, if release properties are prioritized. (H07) In the above embodiment, a configuration with low thermal resistance is desirable for the surface layer 14, but a configuration with high thermal resistance is also possible. (H08) In the above embodiment, the axial lengths L1 to L4 of each part are preferably as shown in the embodiment, but can be changed as appropriate depending on the design and specifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1... Strip-shaped means, 2,101,111,121,131...Heating means, 6... Supply means, 24...Annular elastic body, 24,102,112,122,132… Regulatory measures, 31... means of power supply, 102... Absorption means, 112...Materials that repel lubricants, 122... recessed, 132... protruding part, B+T1+T2...Transfer method, F... Fixing device, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk...developing means, Py, Pm, Pc, Pk...image holding means, ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, ROSk… methods of latent image formation S…media, U...Image forming device.

Claims

1. An endless strip-shaped means, A supply means for supplying lubricant to the inner surface of the strip-shaped means, A heating means that supports and rotates the strip-shaped means and generates heat when energized to heat the strip-shaped means, A terminal portion provided at the end of the heating means and rotatable integrally with the heating means, A power supply means electrically connected to the terminal portion and supplying power to the heating means, A restricting means is positioned on the outer surface side of the heating means and inward from the power supply means with respect to the axial direction of rotation of the heating means, to restrict the movement of the lubricant toward the power supply means. A fixing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The regulating means supported on the outer surface of the heating means, The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

3. The restricting means, which is composed of an annular elastic body, The fixing device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

4. The restricting means is composed of an absorbing means for absorbing the lubricant, The fixing device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

5. The restricting means is made of a material that repels the lubricant, The fixing device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

6. The restricting means formed at the end of the heating means, The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

7. The restricting means is composed of a recess that is locally recessed in the axial direction, The fixing device according to claim 6, characterized by comprising the above.

8. An endless strip-shaped means, A supply means for supplying lubricant to the inner surface of the strip-shaped means, A heating means that supports and rotates the strip-shaped means and generates heat when energized to heat the strip-shaped means, A power supply means electrically connected to the end of the heating means and supplying power to the heating means, A restricting means positioned on the outer surface side of the heating means and inward from the power supply means with respect to the axial direction of rotation of the heating means, the restricting means comprising a convex portion formed at the end of the heating means and locally convex with respect to the axial direction, A fixing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

9. Image holding means, The image holding means includes a latent image forming means for forming a latent image, A developing means for developing the latent image of the image holding means, A transfer means for transferring the image of the image holding means onto a medium, A fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for fixing the image on the aforementioned medium, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following:

Images