JP2018028583A - Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and method of manufacturing fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce abnormal noise of a sliding member that slides on the inner peripheral surface of a rotating belt. In a fixing device, an outer peripheral surface of a heating belt is brought into contact with a pressure roll to rotate. A protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 along the direction of the rotation axis G or obliquely with respect to the direction of the rotation axis G. A pressure pad 150 that presses the heating belt 200 against the pressure roll 110 is provided inside the heating belt 200. A sliding sheet 160 is provided between the heating belt 200 and the pressure pad 150. On the sliding surface 160A of the sliding sheet 160 that slides on the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200, a convex portion is formed along a direction intersecting the direction in which the protrusion of the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 extends. I have. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the fixing device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a fixing device used in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system. In this prior art, the fixing device includes a fixing roll, an endless belt, and a pressure pad. And the low friction sheet | seat with which the groove | channel was formed in the rubbing surface with an endless belt is provided between the endless belt and the pressure pad.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-084484

  A sliding member is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotating belt constituting the fixing device. However, if the inner peripheral surface of the belt is scratched, the scratch may hit the convex portion of the sliding member, and abnormal noise may be generated.

  Compared with the case where the present invention includes a sliding member formed with a convex portion arranged along the direction in which the protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends, the sliding sliding on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating belt It is a problem to reduce noise of members.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt in which an outer peripheral surface rotates in contact with a rotating member, and a protrusion on an inner peripheral surface is formed along the rotation axis direction or oblique to the rotation axis direction, and the belt The protrusion is disposed on the inner surface of the belt and is provided between the pressing member that presses the belt against the rotating member, and between the belt and the pressing member, and slides on the inner peripheral surface of the belt. And a sliding member formed with a convex portion arranged along a direction intersecting with the extending direction.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the fixing according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member is a cloth material in which fibers are woven in a lattice shape, and the direction of the fibers intersects the direction of the protrusions. Device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming portion for forming a toner image and transferring the toner image to a recording medium, and fixing the transferred toner image on the recording medium. An image forming apparatus including a fixing device.

  In the invention of claim 4, the liquid material applied to the outside of the core body is cured to form a belt, and the belt is relatively moved in the axial direction relative to the core body or rotated in the axial direction. A step of moving and removing the belt from the core, and a protrusion disposed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends when the belt is removed from the core. And a step of assembling the sliding member having the portion formed on the sliding surface to the belt such that the sliding surface comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface.

  According to the invention of claim 5, after the outer peripheral surface of the belt having the support inserted inside is subjected to surface treatment, the belt is moved relative to the support in the axial direction or rotated around the axis in the axial direction. And a step of removing the belt from the support and a direction intersecting with a direction in which the protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends when the belt is removed from the support. And a step of assembling the sliding member having the convex portion formed on the sliding surface to the belt so that the sliding surface contacts the inner peripheral surface.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the inner periphery of the belt that rotates and moves as compared with the case where the sliding member is provided with the convex portion disposed along the direction in which the protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends. Generation of abnormal noise of the sliding member sliding on the surface can be reduced.

  According to invention of Claim 2, compared with the case where the fiber is not woven in a lattice shape, the convex part of the sliding member is easily formed in the direction intersecting with the direction in which the protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends. Can be provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce abnormal noise as compared with the configuration having no fixing device according to the first or second aspect.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, compared to the case of assembling the sliding member formed with the protrusions arranged along the direction in which the protrusions on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extend, Abnormal noise of the sliding member in contact with the peripheral surface can be reduced.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case of assembling the sliding member formed with the protrusions arranged along the direction in which the protrusions on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extend, Abnormal noise of the sliding member in contact with the peripheral surface can be reduced.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. (A) is a top view of the sliding sheet whose fiber direction is diagonal with respect to the axial direction of a heating belt, (B) is a top view of the sliding sheet of the fiber direction along the axial direction of a heating belt. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the protrusion of the heating belt of 1st embodiment, and the convex part of a sliding sheet. It is process drawing which shows the belt formation process of the heating belt of 1st embodiment to (A)-(C) in order. It is process drawing which shows the surface roughening process of the surface treatment process of the heating belt of 1st embodiment to (A)-(D) in order. It is process drawing which shows the plating process of the surface treatment process of the heating belt of 1st embodiment to (A)-(D) in order. (A) of the heating belt of the second embodiment is the main part of the belt forming process, (B) is the main part of the surface roughening process of the surface treatment process, and (C) is the main part of the plating process of the surface treatment process. FIG.

<First embodiment>
An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[overall structure]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 19 to which the present exemplary embodiment is applied.

  The image forming apparatus 19 is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus generally called a tandem type. The image forming apparatus 19 forms a toner image and transfers the toner image onto a sheet P as an example of a recording medium, a fixing apparatus 100 that fixes the transferred toner image on the sheet P, and And a control unit 40 that controls the operation.

  The image forming unit 21 is formed by a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K on which toner images of respective color components are formed by electrophotography, and these image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. A primary transfer unit 10 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) each color component toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a secondary transfer unit that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto the paper P. 20.

  In the present embodiment, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K includes a charger 12 and a photosensitive drum around which the photosensitive drum 11 is charged around the photosensitive drum 11 that rotates in the arrow A direction. A laser exposure device 13 (an exposure beam is indicated by a symbol Bm in the drawing) in which an electrostatic latent image is written on the image 11, each color component toner is accommodated, and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized with toner. Developing unit 14, primary transfer roll 16 for transferring each color component toner image formed on photosensitive drum 11 to intermediate transfer belt 15 in primary transfer unit 10, and residual toner on photosensitive drum 11 are removed. Electrophotographic devices such as a drum cleaner 17 are sequentially arranged. These image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in a substantially straight line from the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Has been.

  The intermediate transfer belt 15 is circulated and driven in the direction B shown in FIG. 1 by various rolls. As these various rolls, a drive roll 31 that is driven by a motor (not shown) having excellent constant speed and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 15, and an intermediate transfer that extends substantially linearly along the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums 11. A support roll 32 that supports the belt 15, a tension roll 33 that functions as a correction roll that applies a constant tension to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and prevents meandering of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and a backup roll provided in the secondary transfer unit 20. 25. A cleaning backup roll 34 is provided in a cleaning unit that scrapes off residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  The primary transfer unit 10 includes a primary transfer roll 16 that is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. The primary transfer roll 16 is disposed in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. Further, the primary transfer roll 16 has a voltage (primary transfer) having a polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity (negative polarity; the same applies hereinafter). Bias) is applied. As a result, the toner images on the respective photosensitive drums 11 are sequentially electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 so as to form superimposed toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  The secondary transfer unit 20 includes a secondary transfer roll 22 disposed on the toner image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and a backup roll 25. The backup roll 25 is disposed on the back surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 to form a counter electrode of the secondary transfer roll 22, and a metal power supply roll 26 to which a secondary transfer bias is stably applied is disposed in contact with the backup roll 25. .

  On the other hand, the secondary transfer roll 22 is disposed in pressure contact with the backup roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. Further, the secondary transfer roll 22 is grounded, and a secondary transfer bias is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the backup roll 25. The toner image is secondarily transferred onto the paper P conveyed to the transfer unit 20.

  Further, on the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion 20 of the intermediate transfer belt 15, an intermediate transfer belt that removes residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 15 after the secondary transfer and cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15. A cleaner 35 is provided so as to be able to contact and separate.

  On the other hand, on the upstream side of the yellow image forming unit 1Y, a reference sensor (home position sensor) 42 that generates a reference signal serving as a reference for taking image forming timings in the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. It is arranged. Further, an image density sensor 43 for adjusting image quality is disposed on the downstream side of the black image forming unit 1K. The reference sensor 42 recognizes a mark provided on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and generates a reference signal. In response to an instruction from the control unit 40 based on the recognition of the reference signal, each image forming unit 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are configured to start image formation.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 19 of the present embodiment, as a paper transport system, a paper tray 50 that stores paper P, and a pick-up roll that picks up and transports the paper P accumulated in the paper tray 50 at a predetermined timing. 51, a transport roll 52 that transports the paper P fed by the pickup roll 51, a transport member 53 that feeds the paper P transported by the transport roll 52 to the secondary transfer unit 20, and a secondary transfer roll 22. Then, a conveyance belt 55 that conveys the sheet P conveyed to the fixing device 100 and a fixing entrance guide 56 that guides the sheet P to the fixing device 100 are provided.

[Image creation process]
Next, a basic image forming process of the image forming apparatus 19 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 19, image data output from an image reading device (IIT) (not shown) or a personal computer (PC) (not shown) is subjected to image processing by an image processing device (IPS) (not shown), The image forming operation is executed by the forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. In the image processing apparatus, the input reflectance data is subjected to image processing such as shading correction, positional deviation correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame deletion, color editing, and moving editing. Is done. The image data that has undergone image processing is converted into color material gradation data of four colors, Y, M, C, and K, and is output to the laser exposure unit 13.

  The laser exposure unit 13 irradiates the photosensitive drums 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, for example, with an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser in accordance with the input color material gradation data. Yes. In each of the photosensitive drums 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, the surface is charged by the charger 12, and then the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure unit 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent images are developed as toner images of respective colors Y, M, C, and K by the respective image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K.

  The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer unit 10 where the photosensitive drums 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 15 are in contact with each other. Is transcribed. More specifically, in the primary transfer unit 10, a voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity (minus polarity) of the toner is applied to the base material of the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the primary transfer roll 16. Primary transfer is performed by sequentially superimposing images on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

  After the toner images are sequentially primary transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15, the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves and the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20. When the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20, in the paper conveyance system, the pickup roll 51 rotates in accordance with the timing at which the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20, and the paper P is supplied from the paper tray 50. Is done.

  The paper P supplied by the pickup roll 51 is transported by the transport roll 52, and reaches the secondary transfer unit 20 through the transport member 53. Before reaching the secondary transfer unit 20, the paper P is temporarily stopped, and the registration roller (not shown) rotates in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 15 on which the toner image is held. And the position of the toner image are aligned.

  In the secondary transfer unit 20, the secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the backup roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the sheet P conveyed at the same timing is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. At this time, when a voltage (secondary transfer bias) having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity (negative polarity) is applied from the power supply roll 26, a transfer electric field is formed between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the backup roll 25. Is done. The unfixed toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is collectively electrostatically transferred onto the paper P by the secondary transfer unit 20 pressed by the secondary transfer roll 22 and the backup roll 25. The

  Thereafter, the sheet P on which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is transported as it is while being peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the secondary transfer roll 22, and transported downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the sheet transport direction. It is conveyed to the belt 55. The transport belt 55 transports the paper P to the fixing device 100 in accordance with the optimal transport speed in the fixing device 100.

  The unfixed toner image on the paper P conveyed to the fixing device 100 is fixed on the paper P by being subjected to a fixing process by heat and pressure by the fixing device 100. The paper P on which the fixed image is formed is conveyed to a paper discharge unit (not shown) provided in a paper discharge unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 19.

  On the other hand, after the transfer to the paper P is completed, the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is conveyed to the cleaning unit as the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates, and is cleaned by the cleaning backup roll 34 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 35. It is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[Fixing device]
Next, the fixing device 100 used in the image forming apparatus 19 of the present embodiment will be described. The axis G indicates the rotation axis of the heating belt 200 described later, and the arrow V indicates the rotation direction of the heating belt 200.

  FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fixing device 100 of the present embodiment.

  The fixing device 100 includes a pressure roll 110 as an example of a rotating member, a heating belt 200 as an example of a belt, a pressure pad 150 as an example of a pressing member, and a sliding sheet 160 as an example of a sliding member. It is configured to include.

  Further, in the fixing device 100, the pressure roll 110 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) while the pressure roll 110 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 200B of the heating belt 200, and the conveyed paper P (see FIG. 1) is conveyed to the heating belt 200 and the pressure roll 110. The nip portion N is formed by Thus, the toner image transferred to the paper P (see FIG. 1) is fixed on the paper P (see FIG. 1) by the heat of the heating belt 200 and the pressure applied to the nip portion N.

  The heating belt 200 is an endless belt that generates heat by electromagnetic induction, and the outer peripheral surface 200B contacts the pressure roll 110 and rotates.

  The pressure roll 110 includes a mandrel 112 formed of a metal such as aluminum, and an elastic layer 114 provided around the mandrel 112.

  Further, the pressure roll 110 is configured to move between a separation position separated from the heating belt 200 and a pressure position pressed against the heating belt 200 by a latch mechanism (not shown). FIG. 2 illustrates the state of the pressure position.

  An arc-shaped IH coil unit 120 is provided outside the heating belt 200. Inside the IH coil unit 120, there are provided a plurality of exciting coils 122 that generate a magnetic field by supplying electric power from a fixing power source (not shown).

  An arc-shaped soft ferrite 130 is provided outside the IH coil unit 120. Further, an aluminum magnetic shielding plate 132 is provided outside the soft ferrite 130.

  A pressure pad 150 and an arc-shaped internal magnetic member 170 are provided inside the heating belt 200. A sliding sheet 160 is sandwiched between the pressure pad 150 and the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200. The pressure pad 150 is fixed to a core member 152 supported by a frame (not shown).

  The internal magnetic member 170 has a structure in which an arc-shaped temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174 is provided outside the arc-shaped aluminum magnetic field shielding plate 172. The heating belt 200 is illustrated as being spaced apart from the temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174, but actually rotates while being in contact with the temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174.

  The temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174 is heated by generating an induced current in the temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174 due to a change in the magnetic field generated by the plurality of exciting coils 122 of the IH coil unit 120.

  Since the heating belt 200 includes a conductive heat generating layer inside, the induction belt 122 is heated by the induction current generated by the fluctuation of the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 122. That is, the heating belt 200 is not only directly heated by induction by the magnetic field of the exciting coil 122 but also indirectly heated by contacting the temperature-sensitive magnetic alloy 174.

[Sliding sheet]
Next, the sliding sheet 160 used in the fixing device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the sliding sheet 160 is a cloth material in which fibers 162 such as glass fibers are woven in a lattice shape and impregnated with a fluororesin (PTFE or the like). Therefore, a convex portion 164 is formed along the fiber direction S on the sliding surface 160A that contacts and slides on the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200. In this embodiment, the fiber direction S (the direction of the convex portions 164 arranged linearly) is cut out in a rectangular shape so as to be arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. The pressure pad 150 (see FIG. 2) is fixed. That is, the sliding sheet 160 is cut into a rectangular shape so that the fiber direction S (the direction of the convex portions 164 arranged in a straight line) is inclined with respect to the side portion 168.

[Heating belt]
Next, the heating belt 200 used in the fixing device 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The heating belt 200 is configured such that a plating layer is formed on the outside of a cylindrical belt.

  Next, an outline of a method for manufacturing the heating belt 200 will be described. The belt forming step, the surface roughening step as an example of the surface treatment step, and the plating step as another example of the surface treatment step, which will be described later, are typical steps of the manufacturing process of the heating belt 200. These steps may be included. Further, another process may be included between the belt forming process and the surface roughening process, or between the surface roughening process and the plating process. The axis G is substantially the same axis as the rotation axis G.

[Belt forming process]
As shown in FIG. 5 (B), a liquid material is applied to the outside of the cylindrical (or columnar) core body 300 shown in FIG. 250 is formed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the cylindrical belt base material 250 is moved relative to the core body 300 in the axis G direction, and the belt base material 250 is removed from the core body 300.

[Surface roughening process]
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a columnar (or cylindrical) first support 310 is inserted inside the belt base material 250.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, after a liquid in which metal powder such as aluminum (not shown) is dispersed is sprayed on the outer peripheral surface of the belt base member 250 to roughen the belt, as shown in FIG. The base material 250 is moved relative to the first support 310 in the direction of the axis G, and the belt base material 250 is removed from the first support 310.

[Plating process]
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a columnar (or cylindrical) second support 320 is inserted into the inside of the belt base material 250 whose outer peripheral surface is roughened.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (C), the outer peripheral surface of the belt base material 250 is subjected to nickel plating and copper plating in this order, and then the plated belt base material 250 as shown in FIG. 7 (D). The (heating belt 200) is moved relative to the second support 320 in the direction of the axis G, and the belt base material 250 (heating belt 200) is removed from the second support 320.

[Action]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the belt forming process, the surface roughening process, and the plating process, when the belt base material 250 is relatively moved in the direction of the axis G and removed from the core body 300, the first support body 310, and the second support body 320, the belt base As shown in FIG. 4, a scratch 210 may be formed on the material 250, that is, the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200. The flaw 210 is formed along the axis G direction in which the core body 300, the first support body 310, and the second support body 320 move relative to each other. The flaw 210 in the axis G direction extends linearly in the axis G direction. 212 is formed.

  This is the reason why the scratches 210 (linear protrusions 212) are formed on the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 (belt base material 250). In the belt forming process, the scratches on the core body 300 are the cause. it is conceivable that. Further, in the surface roughening process and the plating process, it is considered that foreign matter enters the gap between the belt base material 250 and the first support 310 or the second support 320. Moreover, as a foreign material, the metal powder used in a surface roughening process can be considered.

  Here, the sliding sheet 161 in FIG. 3B is provided with the fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged in a straight line) along the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. If it demonstrates from another viewpoint, the sliding sheet 161 will be cut out in a rectangular shape so that the side part 168 may follow the fiber direction S (direction of the convex part 164 arrange | positioned linearly). A comparative example in which the sliding sheet 161 is fixed to the pressure pad 150 (see FIG. 2) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, abnormal noise is generated when the linear protrusions 212 on the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200 bounce the protrusions 164 formed along the fiber direction S of the sliding sheet 161. More specifically, the vibration of the sliding sheet 161 being repelled is transmitted to the core member 152 (see FIG. 2) via the pressure pad 150 (see FIG. 2) and vibrates, generating abnormal noise.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the sliding sheet 160 of this embodiment, the fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged linearly) is in the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. On the other hand, it is fixed to the pressure pad 150 so as to be disposed obliquely with an angle. That is, the fiber direction S of the sliding sheet 160 (the arrangement direction of the convex portions 164) intersects the direction in which the protrusions 212 of the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 extend linearly.

  Therefore, unlike the case where the protrusions 164 formed along the fiber direction S of the sliding sheet 160 by the linear protrusions 212 of the heating belt 200 do not intersect, abnormal noise is reduced. In addition, it is considered that the reason for the reduction in abnormal noise is that the number of fibers 162 that the linear protrusion 212 repels at the same timing decreases by providing an angle. Further, by providing the angle, the interval at which the fibers 162 are played is reduced, that is, the interval at which the abnormal noise is generated is reduced. As a result, the frequency of the abnormal noise is reduced, the resonance is suppressed, and the abnormal noise is reduced. Is also possible.

  Further, as compared with the case where the fibers 162 are not woven in a lattice shape, the convex portion 164 of the sliding sheet 160 is easily formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the protrusions 212 of the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 extend linearly. Can be provided.

<Second embodiment>
An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, since the difference from the first embodiment is the manufacturing method of the sliding sheet 161 (FIG. 3B) and the heating belt 200, only these two points will be described.

[Sliding sheet]
The sliding sheet 161 used in the fixing device of this embodiment will be described.

  As already described, in the sliding sheet 161 in FIG. 3B, the fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged linearly) is along the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200 (side portion 168). And fixed to the pressure pad 150 (see FIG. 2).

[Belt forming process]
Next, the manufacturing process of the heating belt used in the fixing device of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the cylindrical belt base material 250 is moved relative to the core body 300 in the direction of the axis G while rotating around the axis G, and the belt base material 250 is removed from the core body 300.

[Surface roughening process]
As shown in FIG. 8B, the belt base material 250 having a rough outer peripheral surface is moved relative to the first support 310 in the direction of the axis G while rotating around the axis G, so that the belt base material 250 is moved. Remove from the first support 310.

[Plating process]
As shown in FIG. 8C, the plated belt base material 250 (heating belt 200) moves relative to the second support 320 in the direction of the axis G while rotating around the axis G, and the belt base material 250 is moved. The (heating belt 200) is removed from the second support 320.

[Action]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the belt forming process, the surface roughening process, and the plating process, the belt base material 250 is relatively moved in the axis G direction while rotating around the axis G from the core body 300, the first support body 310, and the second support body 320. As shown in FIG. 4, scratches 210 may be formed on the belt base material 250, that is, the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200. The scratch 210 is formed obliquely with respect to the axis G direction of relative movement, and the oblique projection 210 is formed with respect to the axis G direction by the scratch 210 oblique to the axis G direction (see FIG. 4). . When the rotation amount of the belt base material 250 is increased, when the heating belt 200 is a cylinder, the protrusion 212 is formed in a spiral shape. Further, if the heating belt 200 is flattened, the protrusion 212 is linear.

  The sliding sheet 161 of the present embodiment is fixed to the pressure pad 150 so that the fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged linearly) is arranged along the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. Has been.

  On the other hand, the linear protrusion 212 on the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200 of this embodiment is formed obliquely with respect to the direction of the rotation axis G.

  Therefore, the fiber direction S of the sliding sheet 161 (the arrangement direction of the convex portions 164) intersects the direction in which the protrusions 212 of the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 extend linearly.

  Therefore, unlike the case where the protrusions 164 formed along the fiber direction S of the sliding sheet 160 by the linear protrusions 212 of the heating belt 200 do not intersect with each other, abnormal noise is reduced.

  Here, in each process of the belt forming process, the surface roughening process, and the plating process, the belt base material 250 was relatively moved in the direction of the axis G while being rotated about the axis G and removed. However, among the three steps of the belt forming step, the surface roughening step, and the plating step, the belt base material 250 may be removed by being relatively moved in the direction of the axis G while rotating around the axis G in one step or two steps.

  For example, if the scratch 210 (protrusion 212) is not formed or hardly formed in the belt forming process, the belt base material 250 is relatively moved and removed in the direction of the axis G in the belt forming process, and the surface roughening process is performed. In addition, the belt base material 250 may be relatively moved in the direction of the axis G while being rotated around the axis G in two steps of the plating process.

  The point is that in the process of forming a scratch 210 (protrusion 212) on the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200, or a process that is highly likely to be formed, the belt base material 250 is rotated about the axis G in the axis G direction. Move it relative to and remove it.

  Further, the fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged in a straight line) may not be fixed to the pressure pad 150 so as to be arranged along the direction of the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. The fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged linearly) may be arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation axis G of the heating belt 200. The fiber direction S (the convex portions 164 arranged in a straight line) may be arranged in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the protrusion 212 of the inner peripheral surface 200A of the heating belt 200 extends.

<Others>
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the sliding sheets 160 and 161 as an example of the sliding member are cloth materials in which fibers are woven in a lattice shape, and the fiber direction S (arrangement direction of the convex portions 164) is The protrusion 212 on the inner peripheral surface 200 </ b> A of the heating belt 200 intersects the direction extending linearly. However, the sliding member may be made of a material other than a cloth material in which fibers are woven in a lattice shape. For example, a sliding member in which a fluororesin or the like is molded into a sheet shape and a striped linear convex portion (groove) is formed on the sliding surface may be used. Further, the sliding member may be other than a sheet shape, for example, a plate shape.

  The heating belt 200 is a belt that is heated by induction, but is not limited thereto. For example, a belt made of resin or metal pressed against a heating roll or a planar heater as an example of a rotating member by a pressing member may be used. For some reason or purpose, the protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the belt along the rotation axis G or obliquely with respect to the rotation axis G direction is disposed along the direction intersecting the linearly extending direction. It is only necessary that a sliding member having a convex portion is provided.

  Further, the configuration of the fixing device and the image forming apparatus is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be employed.

  Furthermore, it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement with a various aspect in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

19 Image forming apparatus
21 Image forming unit 100 Fixing device 110 Pressure roll (an example of a rotating member)
150 Pressure pad (an example of a pressing member)
160 Sliding sheet (an example of a sliding member)
160A Sliding surface 162 Fiber 164 Protruding portion 200 Heating belt (an example of a belt)
200A Inner peripheral surface 200B Outer peripheral surface 212 Protrusion
G Rotating shaft

Claims (5)

A belt in which an outer peripheral surface rotates in contact with a rotating member, and a protrusion on the inner peripheral surface is formed along the rotation axis direction or obliquely with respect to the rotation axis direction;
A pressing member that is disposed inside the belt and presses the belt against the rotating member;
Protrusions that are provided between the belt and the pressing member and that slide along the inner circumferential surface of the belt are arranged along the direction intersecting the direction in which the protrusions extend. A sliding member;
A fixing device. The sliding member is a cloth material in which fibers are woven in a lattice shape,
The fiber direction is a direction intersecting with the direction of the protrusion,
The fixing device according to claim 1. An image forming unit that forms a toner image and transfers the toner image to a recording medium;
The fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transferred toner image is fixed on the recording medium.
An image forming apparatus comprising: The liquid material applied to the outside of the core body is cured to form a belt, and the belt is moved relative to the core body in the axial direction or relative to the axial direction while rotating about the axis. Removing from the core,
When removing the belt from the core body, a sliding member in which convex portions arranged in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends is formed on the sliding surface, Assembling the belt so that the sliding surface comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface;
A method of manufacturing a fixing device. After surface treatment is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the belt with the support inserted inside, the belt is moved relative to the support in the axial direction or relative to the support in the axial direction. Removing from the support;
When removing the belt from the support, a sliding member having convex portions formed on the sliding surface in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the belt extends, Assembling the belt so that the sliding surface comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface;
A method of manufacturing a fixing device.

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