JP2010134275A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus including a fixing device that applies a fixing solution containing a softener for softening toner resin to transfer paper on the surface of which a toner image is carried, so as to fix toner softened by application of the fixing solution on the transfer paper, and preventing the fixing solution from being leaked when replacing a member for applying the fixing solution to the toner image. <P>SOLUTION: A copying machine 100 includes: an image forming unit 3 and a transfer unit 90 for forming the toner image on the transfer paper P; a fixing solution bottle 200 for storing the fixing solution for softening the toner; and a coating roller 61 for applying the fixing solution to the surface of the transfer paper P on which a toner layer T is carried, and performs image formation by fixing the softened toner image on the transfer paper P. The copying machine 100 includes a fixing unit 60 that integrally supports at least the coating roller 61 and a member constituting a fixing solution conveyance path in which the fixing solution moves from the fixing solution bottle 200 to the coating roller 61, and is constituted to be detachably attached to a body of the copying machine 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a fixing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer, and applies a fixing solution for fixing the toner onto the recording medium by dissolving or swelling the toner resin. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimile machines, and copying machines are apparatuses that form images including characters and symbols on recording media such as paper, cloth, and OHP sheets based on image information. In particular, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are widely used in offices because they can form high-definition images on plain paper at high speed. In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a heat fixing method is widely used in which toner on a recording medium is heated and melted, and the molten toner is pressurized to fix the toner on the recording medium. Yes. This thermal fixing method is preferably used because it can provide a high fixing speed and high fixed image quality.

However, more than half of the power consumption in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus adopting such a heat fixing method is consumed for heat treatment in the heat fixing type fixing device. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of measures against environmental problems in recent years, an image forming apparatus with low power consumption (energy saving) is desired. For this reason, there is a demand for energy saving in the fixing device that consumes more than half of the power consumption in the conventional image forming apparatus. Since the conventional heat fixing type fixing device consumes a lot of electric power for the heat treatment, the fixing method for heating the toner to fix the toner or the toner is heated extremely lower than before. A fixing method that does not require this is desired. In particular, a non-heat fixing method in which toner is fixed on a recording medium without heating the toner is ideal in terms of low power consumption.
In such a non-heat fixing method, a toner image is formed by applying a fixing solution containing a softening agent that softens the toner by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin component of the toner to the toner image on the surface of the recording medium. There is known a wet fixing method for fixing a toner (for example, a fixing method used in a fixing device described in Patent Documents 1 to 4). As described above, the wet fixing type fixing device does not need to perform heat treatment to soften the toner, so that energy saving can be realized as compared with the thermal fixing method.
Japanese Patent No. 3290513 JP 2004-109749 A JP 59-119364 A JP 2004-109747 A

In the image forming apparatus, when the member that softens the toner of the fixing device reaches the end of its life or when this member fails, it is necessary to remove the member that softens the toner from the main body of the image forming apparatus and replace it.
In an image forming apparatus provided with a conventional heat fixing type fixing device, for example, a heating unit including a heating roller and a pressure roller constitutes a member that softens toner, and the heating unit is unitized to form an image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to replace the member that softens the toner.
On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device of a wet fixing system, for example, a fixing liquid application unit including a coating roller and a pressure roller constitutes a member that softens toner. Here, since the fixing device of the wet fixing system is provided with a fixing solution storage unit that stores the fixing solution applied by the fixing solution applying unit, only the fixing solution applying unit is unitized so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus. When configured, it is necessary to provide a detachable configuration in the middle of the conveying path of the fixing liquid from the fixing liquid storing means to the fixing liquid applying unit. As described above, when a detachable configuration is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the fixing liquid, when the unitized fixing liquid application unit is attached or detached, the fixing liquid leaks from the separated position of the conveyance path and other than the fixing device. There is a possibility that the fixing solution adheres to the members of the image forming apparatus. Since the fixing solution contains a softening agent that softens the toner resin, if such a fixing solution adheres to a member of an image forming apparatus other than the fixing device, the member to which the fixing solution adheres may be softened or change in strength. is there.
Such a problem is not limited to the case where the member constituting the fixing liquid application unit is an application roller, but from the fixing liquid storage unit to the fixing liquid application unit, such as a configuration in which the fixing liquid is applied by spraying the fixing liquid onto the toner image. This is a problem that can occur if the fixing liquid is transported. Furthermore, what supports the toner layer to which the fixing liquid is applied is not limited to the recording medium, but supports the toner image on the surface like the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner layer to the recording medium at the transfer position. It may be the body. In such a case, the toner layer, which has been softened by applying a fixing liquid on the toner image carrier, is transferred to the recording medium at the transfer position, thereby fixing the toner layer to the recording medium.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to apply a fixing solution containing a softening agent for softening a toner resin to a recording medium or toner image carrier that carries a toner image on the surface. And a fixing device that fixes the softened toner applied to the recording medium to the recording medium, and can prevent the fixing solution from leaking when the member that applies the fixing solution to the toner image is replaced. Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a toner image forming means for forming a toner image on a recording medium using a toner containing resin fine particles containing a resin and a colorant; Fixing liquid containing means for containing a fixing liquid containing a softening agent that softens the toner by dissolving or swelling at least a part thereof, and the fixing on the surface of the recording medium or toner image carrier that carries the toner image on the surface. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by fixing a toner image softened by applying the fixing solution to the recording medium, and the fixing solution applying unit. And a fixing unit configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, integrally supporting a member constituting a fixing liquid transport path through which the fixing liquid moves from the fixing liquid storing means to the fixing liquid applying means. It is characterized in that it has.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, bubbles are generated in the fixing solution, and the fixing solution is used as a foamy fixing solution in which bubbles are dispersed in the fixing solution. Foaming means is provided, and the fixing liquid applying means applies the foamy fixing liquid to the surface of the recording medium or the surface of the toner image carrier.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the fixing liquid foaming means is disposed in the fixing unit and is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body together with other members constituting the fixing unit. It is characterized by being freely configured.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, the fixing unit is integrated with an image forming side unit constituting at least a part of the toner image forming unit. It is characterized in that it can be attached to and detached from.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the fixing unit applies the fixing liquid to the recording medium carrying the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit on the surface. The image forming unit includes a recording medium transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the toner image carrier to the recording medium, and the recording unit to which the toner image is transferred in the image forming unit. The medium is configured such that the fixing liquid is applied by the fixing liquid applying means when passing through the fixing unit, and the recording medium at the boundary between the fixing unit and the image forming side unit passes through the portion. A recording medium passage portion shielding member that shields a portion through which the recording medium passes when the recording medium does not pass and releases only when the recording medium passes, and uses the recording medium passage portion shielding member as a fixing liquid. It is characterized in that is constituted by members that do not cause softening or intensity change that.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect, the fixing unit and the image forming side unit are configured to be separable.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspect, the fixing unit is in a state when the fixing unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, the fixing unit has an inclination preventing means for preventing the fixing unit from being inclined.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspect, the fixing unit has a liquid leakage prevention seal at a joint between members constituting the fixing liquid conveying path. It is characterized by providing.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspect, the fixing unit is configured such that the entire supporting member is disposed in the unit exterior case. The unit outer case is composed of a member that does not soften or change in strength due to the fixing solution.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth aspect, the fixing unit is attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The fixing unit includes a grip portion that facilitates pulling out the fixing unit in parallel with the moving direction of the fixing unit.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, the fixing solution storage unit is disposed in the fixing unit. The image forming apparatus is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body together with other members constituting the fixing unit.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, the fixing unit includes a fixing solution in which the fixing solution storage unit is installed. A fixing means accommodating portion that can be attached to the fixing liquid accommodating means installing portion in a state where the fixing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and the fixing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus. In the state where it is detached from the main body, the fixing liquid storage means cannot be mounted on the fixing liquid storage means installation portion.

  According to the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the fixing solution applying means and the member constituting the fixing solution transport path through which the fixing solution moves from the fixing solution storing means to the fixing solution applying means as a fixing unit are integrally supported. Since the image forming apparatus main body is configured to be detachable, a member for applying the fixing liquid to the toner image can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body without providing a detachable structure in the fixing liquid conveyance path. can do. When removing the member that applies the fixing liquid to the toner image from the image forming apparatus main body, the fixing liquid leaks when the member that applies the fixing liquid to the toner image is replaced because the fixing liquid conveyance path is not cut off. There is an excellent effect that it can be prevented.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine 100), which is an image forming apparatus that forms an image by electrophotography, will be described. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the image forming apparatus including the characteristic part of the present invention is a copying machine will be described. However, other image forming apparatuses such as a printer and a facsimile may be used.
First, a basic configuration of the copying machine 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a copying machine 100 according to the embodiment. The copying machine 100 includes a printer unit 1, a paper feeding device 40, and a document conveyance reading unit 50. The document conveyance reading unit 50 includes a scanner unit 150 that is a document reading device fixed on the printer unit 1 and an ADF 51 that is a document conveyance device supported by the scanner unit 150.

  The paper feeding device 40 separates and feeds two paper feeding cassettes 42 arranged in multiple stages in the paper bank 41, a feed roller 43 that feeds the transfer paper P from the paper feeding cassette 42, and the fed transfer paper P. A separation roller 45 supplied to the path 44 is provided. In addition, a plurality of transport rollers 47 that transport the transfer paper P to the paper transport path 37 of the printer unit 1 are also provided. Then, the transfer paper P in the paper feed cassette 42 is fed into the paper transport path 37 in the printer unit 1.

  The scanner unit 150 fixed on the printer unit 1 has a fixed reading unit 151 and a moving reading unit 152 as reading means for reading an image of the document MS. A fixed reading unit 151 having a light source, a reflection mirror, an image reading sensor such as a CCD, etc. is disposed immediately below a first contact glass (not shown) fixed to the upper wall of the casing of the scanner unit 150 so as to contact the document MS. ing. When the document MS conveyed by the ADF 51 passes over the first contact glass, the image reading sensor 153 receives the light from the light source through the plurality of reflection mirrors while sequentially reflecting the light emitted from the light source on the document surface. . Thereby, the document MS is scanned without moving the optical system including the light source and the reflection mirror.

On the other hand, the moving reading unit 152 is disposed immediately below the second contact glass (not shown) fixed to the upper wall of the casing of the scanner unit 150 so as to come into contact with the document MS, and is arranged on the right side of the fixed reading unit 151 in the drawing. Therefore, an optical system including a light source and a reflection mirror can be moved in the left-right direction in the figure. Then, in the process of moving the optical system from the left side to the right side in the figure, the light emitted from the light source is reflected by a document (not shown) placed on the second contact glass and then passed through a plurality of reflecting mirrors. The light is received by an image reading sensor 153 fixed to the scanner body. Thereby, the original MS is scanned while moving the optical system.
In this way, the original MS is scanned by the scanner unit 150, and based on the image information obtained by the image reading sensor 153, the optical writing device 2 drives the light source, as will be described later, to form four drum-shaped photoconductors. The laser beam L is irradiated toward 4 (K, Y, M, C).

  FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged configuration diagram illustrating a part of the internal configuration of the printer unit 1 in an enlarged manner. The printer unit 1 includes an optical writing device 2, four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, and C) that form toner images of respective colors K, Y, M, and C, a transfer unit 90, and a paper transport unit 28. , A registration roller pair 33, a fixing unit 60 as a fixing device, and the like. Then, a light source such as a laser diode or LED (not shown) disposed in the optical writing device 2 is driven, and laser light L is directed toward the four drum-shaped photosensitive members 4 (K, Y, M, C). Irradiate. By this irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 4 (K, Y, M, C) as a latent image carrier, and this latent image is developed into a toner image through a predetermined development process. The Note that the subscripts K, Y, M, and C added after the reference numerals indicate specifications for black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  Each of the image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, C) supports the photosensitive member 4 serving as a latent image carrier and various devices disposed around the photosensitive member 4 as a single unit on a common support. It can be attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 main body. Taking the black image forming unit 3K as an example, this has a developing device 6K for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 4K into a black toner image in addition to the photosensitive member 4K. Further, it also includes a drum cleaning device 15K that cleans transfer residual toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor 4K after passing through a primary transfer nip for K described later. In the copying machine 100, a so-called tandem type in which four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, and C) are arranged to face an intermediate transfer belt 91 described later so as to be arranged along the endless movement direction. It is configured.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of one of the four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, C). The four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, C) have substantially the same configuration except that the colors of the toners to be used are different from each other. Therefore, in FIG. , M, and C are omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 3 includes a charging roller 5 as a charging device, a developing device 6, a drum cleaning device 15, a static eliminating lamp 22 as a static eliminating device, and the like around the photosensitive member 4.

  In the copying machine 100, the photosensitive member 4 is a drum-like member in which a photosensitive layer is formed by applying a photosensitive organic photosensitive material to a base tube such as aluminum. However, an endless belt may be used.

The developing device 6 carries a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier (not shown) and a non-magnetic toner on a developing roller 12 that is a developer carrying member, and a developing region that is a facing portion between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive member 4. Then, toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 4 to visualize the electrostatic imagination. Further, the developing device 6 includes a developer accommodating portion that accommodates a two-component developer supplied to the surface of the developing roller 12, and the developer accommodating portion is provided with a stirring member (not illustrated) that agitates the accommodated two-component developer. It has been.
The developing roller 12 includes a non-magnetic cylindrical developing sleeve that is rotatably arranged, and a magnet roller that is non-rotatably provided therein. The magnet roller has a plurality of magnetic poles that are sequentially arranged in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve. Each of these magnetic poles applies a magnetic force to the two-component developer on the developing sleeve at a predetermined position in the rotational direction. As a result, the two-component developer in the developer accommodating portion is attracted and carried on the surface of the developing sleeve, and a magnetic brush is formed along the lines of magnetic force on the surface of the developing sleeve.
The magnetic brush is transported to the developing region after being regulated to an appropriate layer thickness when passing through a position facing a developer regulating member (not shown) as the developing sleeve rotates. Then, development is performed by transferring toner onto the electrostatic latent image by a potential difference between the developing bias applied to the developing sleeve and the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 4. Furthermore, the two-component developer constituting the magnetic brush that has passed through the developing area and then returned to the developing device 6 again with the rotation of the developing sleeve is developed under the influence of the repulsive magnetic field formed between the magnetic poles of the magnet roller. After detachment from the sleeve surface, it is returned to the developer container. A toner concentration sensor (not shown) is disposed in the developer accommodating portion, and the toner concentration of the two-component developer in the developer accommodating container is within a predetermined range based on the detection result by the toner concentration sensor. As described above, a toner replenishing device (not shown) is controlled so that an appropriate amount of toner is replenished to the two-component developer.

  In the printer unit 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming process described so far is applied to the photosensitive members 4 (K, Y, M, C) of the four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, C). As a result, K, Y, M, and C toner images are formed.

As shown in FIG. 2, a transfer unit 90 is disposed below the four image forming units 3 (K, Y, M, C). The transfer unit 90 includes an intermediate transfer belt 91 as a toner image carrier stretched by a plurality of stretching rollers (92, 93, 94), and the first stretching roller 92 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 91. A belt cleaning device 32 is disposed at the facing position. The belt cleaning device 32 is arranged to remove toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 91 after passing through a secondary transfer nip described later.
The transfer unit 90 moves endlessly in the clockwise direction in the figure (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2) while being in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 91 photoreceptor 4 (K, Y, M, C). As a result, primary transfer nips for K, Y, M, and C where the photoreceptors 4 (K, Y, M, and C) and the intermediate transfer belt 91 abut are formed. In the vicinity of the primary transfer nips for K, Y, M, and C, the intermediate transfer belt 91 is moved to the photosensitive member 4 (K, Y) by a primary transfer roller 95 (K, Y, M, and C) disposed inside the belt loop. , M, C). A primary transfer bias is applied to the four primary transfer rollers 95 (K, Y, M, C) by a power source (not shown). As a result, the primary transfer nip for K, Y, M, and C is primarily moved to electrostatically move the toner image on the photoreceptor 4 (K, Y, M, and C) toward the intermediate transfer belt 91 that is a transfer body. A transfer electric field is formed. In the drawing, toner images are sequentially superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 91 that sequentially passes through the primary transfer nips for K, Y, M, and C along with the endless movement in the clockwise direction. Primary transcription. By this primary transfer of superposition, a four-color superposed toner image (hereinafter referred to as a four-color toner image) is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 91.
The primary transfer apparatus of the present embodiment employs a configuration including a primary transfer roller 95 as a primary transfer member, but a conductive brush, a non-contact corona charger, or the like can also be employed as the primary transfer member.

  In FIG. 3, untransferred toner that has not been primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 91 adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor 4 after passing through the primary transfer nip. This transfer residual toner is removed from the surface of the photoreceptor 4 by the drum cleaning device 15 of the image forming unit 3.

As the drum cleaning device 15, a device that scrapes off and removes transfer residual toner from the surface of the photoconductor 4 after passing through the primary transfer nip by a polyurethane rubber cleaning blade 16 in contact with the photoconductor 4 is used. . The cleaning blade 16 is bonded (hot melt) to a metal support member fixed to the casing of the image forming unit 3, and comes into contact with the photoconductor 4 in the counter direction. The counter direction is the direction of the blade such that the front end side of the cleaning blade 16 that is cantilevered by the support member is positioned upstream of the rear end side (free end side) in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 4. .
Here, the toner recovered by the drum cleaning device 15 is recovered by the developing device 6 and reused by a recovery screw and a toner recycling device (not shown).

  The static eliminator included in the image forming unit 3 of the present embodiment has a configuration including a static eliminator lamp 22, and irradiates light to initialize the surface potential of the photoreceptor 4. The surface of the photoreceptor 4 that has been neutralized by the static elimination lamp 22 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 5 that generates a discharge with the photoreceptor 4 by applying a charging bias, and then the light from the optical writing device 2 is used. Write processing is performed. The charging device provided in the image forming unit 3 is a contact charging type charging device employing a charging roller 5. This charging device uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive member 4 by bringing the charging roller 5 into contact with the surface of the photosensitive member 4 and applying a voltage to the charging roller 5. In addition, as a charging device for uniformly charging the photosensitive member 4, a charging device of a non-contact charging type using a scorotron charger or the like can be used instead of the charging roller type.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the printer unit 1, an endless paper conveyance belt 29 that is a secondary transfer belt is hung between a driving roller 30 and a secondary transfer roller 31 below the transfer unit 90 in the drawing. A paper transport unit 28 is provided as a secondary transfer unit that passes and moves endlessly. In the copying machine 100, the intermediate transfer belt 91 and the paper transport belt 29 are sandwiched between the secondary transfer roller 31 of the paper transport unit 28 and the lower stretching roller 94 of the transfer unit 90. As a result, a secondary transfer nip is formed in which the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 91 and the surface of the paper transport belt 29 abut. A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 31 by a power source (not shown). On the other hand, the lower stretching roller 94 of the transfer unit 90 is grounded. Thereby, a secondary transfer electric field is formed in the secondary transfer nip.

  A registration roller pair 33 is disposed on the right side of the secondary transfer nip in the drawing. The registration roller pair 33 sends the transfer paper P sandwiched between the rollers to the secondary transfer nip at a timing at which the transfer paper P can be synchronized with the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 91. In the secondary transfer nip, the four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 91 are collectively secondary transferred onto the transfer paper P due to the influence of the secondary transfer electric field and the nip pressure, and become a full color image combined with the white color of the transfer paper P. The transfer paper P, which has passed through the secondary transfer nip and has the toner image transferred to the surface thereof, is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 91 and is held on the surface of the paper transport belt 29. It is conveyed to.

  The transfer residual toner that has not been transferred to the transfer paper P at the secondary transfer nip adheres to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 91 that has passed through the secondary transfer nip. The transfer residual toner is scraped and removed by the belt cleaning device 32 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 91.

  The transfer sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 60 is sent out from the fixing unit 60 after a full color image is fixed by applying a fixing solution in the fixing unit 60, as will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the copying machine 100, a switchback device 36 is disposed below the paper transport unit 28 and the fixing unit 60. As a result, the transfer paper P that has undergone the image fixing process on one side is switched by the switching claw to the transfer paper P path to the transfer paper P reversing device side, where it is reversed and enters the secondary transfer transfer nip again. Then, after the secondary transfer process and the fixing process of the image are performed on the other side, the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 10.

Next, the fixing unit 60 will be described.
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the fixing unit 60, and FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing members constituting the fixing unit 60. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the fixing unit 60.
As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing unit 60 includes a foam-like fixer generating unit 500 that generates a foam-like fixer, and an unfixed toner layer containing the foam-like fixer F generated by the foam-like fixer generating unit 500. And a foam-like fixing liquid application unit 70 applied to the transfer paper P carrying an unfixed image made of T. The foam-like fixer generation unit 500 stores a fixer bottle 200 for storing and storing the liquid fixer 210, and foams the liquid fixer 210 roughly in the fixer bottle 200, thereby forming a foam-like fixer F composed of coarse bubbles. And an air pump 300 for generating Further, a foam stirrer 310 for making the foam of the foam-like fixer F roughly foamed in the fixer bottle 200 into a fine foam, or a foam-like fixer F in which the foam is made fine by the foam stirrer 310 is used. A die coater head 501 for applying a uniform thin film on the surface of the application roller 61 of the foam-like fixing liquid application unit 70 is provided. In addition, a first bubble sensor S <b> 1 that is a fixing bubble detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the bubble-like fixing solution F in the large-diameter bubble transport pipe 201 connecting the fixing solution bottle 200 and the bubble stirrer 310 is disposed. Further, the die coater head 501 connected to the bubble stirrer 310 via the small-diameter bubble conveying pipe 202 has a bubble speed sensor S2 which is a bubble flow rate detecting means for detecting the speed of the liquid fixer passing through the die coater head 501. And a second bubble sensor S3 for detecting the presence or absence of the foam-like fixing liquid F in the die coater head 501 is disposed. Further, an air release valve 507 is connected to the conveyance path through which the fixing solution passes in the die coater head 501, and a die coater head tip shutter (not shown) is disposed at the tip of the die coater head 501. When the fixing unit 60 is driven, the pressure in the die coater head 501 and the transport path of the fixer is higher than the atmospheric pressure in order to discharge the liquid fixer from the die coater head 501. Even if the stirrer 310 is stopped, the fixer in the die coater head 501 and the transport path may be discharged. In the fixing unit 60 of the present embodiment, the air release valve 507 is released when the function of the fixing unit 60 as a fixing device is stopped, and the atmospheric pressure in the die coater head 501 and the fixing liquid transport path is made equal to the atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, closing the die coater head tip shutter prevents the fixing liquid from being discharged when the fixing device is stopped.
The fixing unit 60 also includes a foam stirring motor M3 that is a drive source of the foam stirrer 310.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer cover 600 that forms the outermost layer of the fixing unit has a bottle insertion port 240 for installing the fixing solution bottle 200 in a bottle installation portion that is a fixing solution storage means installation portion in the unit. Is provided. In the fixing unit 60, the fixing liquid bottle 200 can be installed in the bottle installation section by inserting the fixing liquid bottle 200 from the bottle insertion opening 240 as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 4. Further, the exterior cover 600 has a unit drawer handle 605 for a user to hold when the fixing unit is pulled out parallel to the copying machine 100 main body, and a state in which the pulled out fixing unit is installed in the copying machine 100 main body. A unit upper handle portion 603 for a user to hold when carrying it so that it can be carried as it is. Further, the fixing unit is provided with an attaching / detaching guide 606 for attaching / detaching the fixing unit in parallel with the copying machine 100 main body side along a guide member on the copying machine 100 main body side. The fixing unit also serves as a horizontal prohibition convex portion that prevents the horizontal fixing unit from being horizontal.
Also, the exterior cover 600 has a top-and-bottom inversion prohibiting convex portion 601 formed thereon, and a caution label 602 on which cautions on using the fixing unit are written.

The foam-like fixer application unit 70 is configured to apply a foam-type fixer F generated by the foam-type fixer generator 500 to the surface of the transfer paper P on which the unfixed toner layer T is formed. And a pressure roller 62 that applies pressure for allowing the foamy fixing solution F to penetrate into the unfixed toner layer T after the foamy fixing solution F is applied. The pressure roller 62 is a sponge roller whose surface is elastically deformed. Further, it faces the application roller cleaning blade 63 and the application roller 61 that constitute a cleaning mechanism for recovering the foam-like fixer F remaining on the application roller 61 after the foam fixing solution F is applied to the transfer paper P. A pressure roller cleaning blade 64 is provided for cleaning foreign matters such as foamy fixing liquid F adhering to the pressure roller 62 after passing through the position. Further, a separation claw 65 for separating the transfer paper P from the application roller 61 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer direction of the transfer paper P from the position where the application roller 61 applies the foamy fixing solution F to the transfer paper P. On the other hand, on the upstream side of the transfer paper P in the transport direction of the transfer paper P from the position where the application roller 61 applies the foamy fixing solution F to the transfer paper P, the front edge of the transfer paper P carrying the unfixed toner image is detected. A detection sensor S4 is provided, and further, a fixing paper feed roller pair 67 is provided on the upstream side of the transfer paper P in the transport direction. A fixing paper feed motor M6 as a drive source is connected to the fixing paper feed roller pair 67, and a fixing paper feed timing adjusting clutch 68 for controlling transmission of drive from the fixing paper feed motor M6 is provided.
In addition, an application roller motor M1 as a drive source for the application roller 61 and a pressure roller motor M2 as a drive source for the pressure roller 62 are provided.
Furthermore, although mentioned later for details, the control circuit for controlling these components is provided.
Of the two upper and lower rollers of the fixing paper feeding roller pair 67, the upper roller is the width direction of the transfer paper P (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) so as not to disturb the unfixed toner image on the transfer paper P. It is the structure which contacts only the margin part of both ends.

In the fixing unit 60, the components and control circuit shown in FIG. 5 are integrally supported, covered with an exterior cover 600 as shown in FIG. 4, and configured as a unit as shown in FIG. The fixing unit 60 is detachable from the copying machine 100 main body.
By adopting a one-cartridge system in which each member constituting the fixing device can be attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 as the fixing unit 60, the fixing unit 60 can be an operator replacement unit (a unit that can be replaced by the user). As a result, the burden on the service person can be reduced. Further, since the fixing unit 60 is not a heat fixing type fixing device, there is no need for a cooling waiting time at the time of replacement, and there is no worry about burns at the time of replacement. The fixing unit can be replaced.
Further, by adopting a one-cartridge system for the fixing unit 60, it is possible to collect and collect the same as other image forming units (photosensitive unit, developing unit, waste toner bottle, toner bottle, etc.) that are currently collected and recycled. Recycling is possible.

Further, by using the one-cartridge fixing unit 60, the conventional image forming apparatus can be replaced by a user who has been impossible in the past due to the presence of the thermal fixing device. As a result, it is possible to replace all members constituting the series of image devices from development to fixing of the image forming system, which are likely to cause a failure, by the user's hand, so that the serviceman's hand is not bothered. Regular unit replacement is possible. As a result, the wear parts and consumables constituting the fixing unit 60 can be exchanged periodically, and the life of the entire copying machine 100 can be extended.
Since the one-cartridge type fixing unit 60 is a wet type fixing device, there is no need to consider the influence of radiant heat from the fixing unit 60 in the layout design of the copying machine 100, and there are parts such as heat insulating material and flocking. There is no need to consider the influence of heat at the time of fixing even without providing. As a result, other components can be arranged up to the vicinity of the fixing unit 60, and thus the entire copying machine 100 that is an electrophotographic apparatus can be downsized.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the exterior cover 600.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the exterior cover 600 includes a paper supply side opening / closing door 604 and a paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 so that the transfer paper P can pass through the fixing unit 60.
The paper feed side opening / closing door 604 is rotatably supported with respect to the exterior cover 600 by a paper feed side door rotation shaft 604a, and driving of the paper feed side door rotation shaft 604a is transmitted by the paper feed side opening / closing motor M4. It has a configuration. Further, the paper supply side opening / closing door 604 is urged in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 7 by an urging member such as a spring (not shown). In a state where the paper feed side opening / closing motor M4 is stopped, the paper feed side opening / closing door 604 closes the paper feed side opening of the exterior cover 600 by the urging force of the urging member as shown by the solid line in FIG. To do. On the other hand, when the sheet feeding side opening / closing motor M4 is driven, the sheet feeding side opening / closing motor M4 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7 (the direction opposite to the arrow C in the figure) with respect to the sheet feeding side door rotation shaft 604a. Rotation of the paper feed side door rotation shaft 604a causes the paper feed side opening / closing door 604 to rotate to a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 7 to release the paper feed side opening of the exterior cover 600.
Similarly, the paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 is rotatably supported by the paper discharge side door rotation shaft 607a with respect to the exterior cover 600, and the paper discharge side door rotation shaft 607a is driven by the paper discharge side opening / closing motor M5. It is configured to be transmitted. Further, the paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 is urged in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7 by an urging member such as a spring (not shown). In a state where the paper discharge side opening / closing motor M5 is stopped, the paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 closes the paper discharge side opening of the exterior cover 600 by the urging force of the urging member as shown by the solid line in FIG. To do. On the other hand, when the discharge-side opening / closing motor M5 is driven, the discharge-side opening / closing motor M5 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7 (the direction opposite to the arrow D in the drawing) with respect to the discharge-side door rotation shaft 607a. Rotation of the paper discharge side door rotation shaft 607a causes the paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 to rotate to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 7 to release the paper discharge side opening of the exterior cover 600.

When the sheet feeding side opening / closing motor M4 and the sheet discharging side opening / closing motor M5 are stopped, the sheet feeding side opening / closing door 604 and the sheet discharging side opening / closing door 607 are used to switch between the sheet feeding side and the sheet discharging side of the exterior cover 600. Since the opening is closed, the fixing liquid in the fixing unit 60 can be prevented from leaking outside. For this reason, when the fixing unit 60 is removed from the main body of the copying machine 100, it is possible to prevent problems caused by leakage of the fixing liquid from the fixing unit 60.
In addition, a coating layer 608 made of a material that does not soften or change in strength due to the fixing solution is provided inside the outer cover 600. As a result, even if the fixing solution leaks in the fixing solution transport path from the fixing solution bottle 200 to the die coater head 501, it is possible to prevent the exterior cover 600 from being softened or strength changed due to the leakage. .

Further, the fixing unit 60, which is a non-heat fixing type fixing device, does not require heat to fix the toner onto the transfer paper P, which is a recording medium, so that power consumption is significantly reduced compared to the thermal fixing method. Yes.
Further, in the conventional heat fixing method, a halogen lamp or IH fixing is used as a heat source of the fixing device, so that high heat is generated, and there is a risk of melting or softening in the vicinity of the heat source. It is impossible to arrange a toner container or the like that contains toner to be supplied to the printer. On the other hand, the copying machine 100 uses a non-heating fixing type fixing device that does not require heat to fix the toner on the transfer paper P, so that a heat source is unnecessary, so that resin parts, toner containers, etc. It can be arranged in the vicinity of the fixing unit 60. Thereby, the degree of freedom of the layout of the copying machine 100 is expanded, and the copying machine 100 can be downsized.

In addition, in the conventional heat fixing type fixing device, it is necessary to perform flocking treatment or heat insulation treatment on the surface of the fixing device in order to prevent the user from directly touching the fixing device that has become high temperature. It became one of. However, the non-heat fixing method eliminates the need for performing a flocking process or a heat insulating process on the surface of the fixing device, and can lead to a reduction in the cost of the device.
Also, in the conventional heat fixing type fixing device, when trouble occurs in the fixing device, for example, when jammed paper or the like remains in the fixing device at the time of jam processing, the user becomes a high temperature fixing device. In order to prevent direct contact, there is a configuration in which the user cannot directly remove the jammed paper in the fixing device. In this case, there is maintenance by a service person.
On the other hand, by using a non-heat fixing type fixing device like the copying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the user can directly touch the fixing unit 60, and the transfer paper P is jammed in the fixing unit 60. In case of jam handling, the safety is improved. In addition, when a service person touches the fixing device for maintenance, it takes time to cool the fixing device after moving the fixing device, such as after a test print, but use a non-heating fixing type fixing device. Thus, the cooling waiting time of the fixing unit 60 becomes unnecessary.

  Note that the fixing device described in any of Patent Documents 1 to 4 can be fixed by applying a fixing solution in a liquid state to a recording medium using an application roller which is a contact-type fixing solution applying unit. In this configuration, the liquid is applied to the unfixed toner image on the recording medium. In a configuration in which such a liquid fixing solution is applied to a toner image for fixing, it is extremely difficult to achieve both the application of a small amount of the fixing solution to the toner image on the recording medium and the prevention of toner offset to the application roller. was there. Hereinafter, this problem will be described.

  In the configuration in which the fixing liquid is applied to the unfixed toner image on the recording medium using the application roller, the thickness of the fixing liquid layer on the application roller is set to When it was made thinner than the layer, the following problem sometimes occurred. After the surface of the coating roller comes into contact with the recording medium, the surface of the coating roller peels from the recording medium, and the surface tension generated by the liquid film of the fixing liquid not applied to the recording medium and remaining on the surface of the coating roller The toner particles in the toner layer are pulled. As a result, offset toner particles adhere to the surface of the coating roller, and the toner image on the recording medium after peeling off from the coating roller is greatly disturbed.

Conversely, if the thickness of the fixing liquid layer on the application roller is sufficiently thicker than the unfixed toner layer, the surface tension of the application roller surface due to the liquid film is large because the amount of liquid is large at the position where the application roller peels off the recording medium. Is less likely to act on the toner particles of the toner layer on the recording medium. This makes it difficult for toner to adhere to the coating roller side, but since a large amount of fixing liquid is applied to the surface of the recording medium, toner particles flow as the fixing liquid diffuses on the recording medium due to excessive fixing liquid. Deterioration occurs, or the drying time of the fixing solution becomes long, causing problems in fixing responsiveness. In addition, a remarkable residual liquid feeling (a wet feeling when touching paper) is generated on the recording medium. In addition, when the fixing solution contains water, when the amount of the fixing solution applied to the recording medium containing cellulose such as paper is large, the recording medium such as paper curls remarkably and the recording in the image forming apparatus is performed. There is a risk of paper jams during media transport.
As described above, in the configuration in which the fixing solution is applied using the application roller, if the amount of the fixing solution applied is too large, the image quality deteriorates due to the flow of toner particles, and the fixing responsiveness due to the longer drying time of the fixing solution. And a problem that paper jam easily occurs depending on the recording medium. On the other hand, if a configuration in which a small amount of fixing solution is applied to prevent these problems, the toner particles are offset on the surface of the application roller as described above.
Therefore, in the configuration in which the fixing liquid is applied by the application roller, a small amount of the fixing liquid is applied to the toner layer on the recording medium and the toner offset to the application roller is performed in order to improve the fixing response, reduce the residual liquid feeling, and prevent curling. It is extremely difficult to achieve both prevention.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-219105 discloses a fixing method that can achieve both the application of a small amount of a fixing solution and the prevention of toner offset. A configuration is described in which a foamed fixing solution in which is dispersed is applied to a toner image on a recording medium. In this way, since the density of the fixing solution can be lowered by making the fixing solution foamy, the thickness of the fixing solution on the surface of the coating roller can be increased with a smaller amount of fixing solution than in the past. The influence of the surface tension on the toner particles on the recording medium can be reduced. Also, since the amount of the fixing solution is small, the residual liquid feeling on the recording medium can be suppressed, and the foam-like fixing solution is less likely to flow than the normal liquid fixing solution. It is also possible to prevent image deterioration due to the occurrence of image deterioration. Therefore, by performing fixing using a foamy fixing solution as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-219105, it is possible to fix the toner image without disturbing the toner with a smaller amount of fixing solution applied than before.

  In the fixing unit 60 of the present embodiment, as described above, the air is fed by the air pump 300 to foam the liquid fixing solution 210 in the fixing solution bottle 200 to generate a foamy fixing solution F made of coarse bubbles. To do. Further, by rotating the stirring blade in the bubble stirrer 310 and stirring the foam-like fixing solution F made of coarse bubbles, the foam-like fixing solution F made of fine bubbles is generated. As described above, in the fixing unit 60, the fixing liquid foaming means is configured by the air pump 300, the fixing liquid bottle 200, the bubble stirrer 310, and the like, and similarly to the fixing apparatus described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-219105. By fixing with a foamy fixing solution, the toner image can be fixed without disturbing the toner with a smaller amount of fixing solution applied than before.

Next, a series of movements in the fixing unit will be described with reference to a block diagram of a control circuit.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit provided in the fixing unit 60. As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit of the fixing unit 60 includes a fixing unit CPU 700 having A / D and D / A terminals and storage means such as a ROM and a RAM, and an external timer 710. In accordance with input signals from S1 to S5), the rollers, the drive motors (M1 to M5) of the bubble agitator 310, the air pump 300 connected to the fixer bottle 200, the die coater head 501 and the like are controlled. The air pump 300 is configured such that the voltage is controlled by the DC / DC converter 720, and a DC / DC converter output voltage variable signal as a voltage control signal of the air pump 300 is transmitted from the fixing unit CPU 700 to the DC / DC converter 720. It is the composition which is done.
First, when the power of the copying machine 100 main body is turned on, the fixing unit CPU 700 provided in the fixing unit 60 and the copying machine main body CPU 750 provided in the copying machine 100 main body communicate with each other by an I / F (interface) signal group. The fixing unit CPU 700 recognizes that the power of the copying machine 100 is turned on.

Next, the initialization operation will be described.
After the recognition, the fixing unit CPU 700 in the fixing unit 60 operates the air pump 300 to send air into the fixing liquid bottle 200. Here, in the fixing solution bottle 200 fed with air, the liquid fixing solution 210 and air are mixed, and large bubbles are caused to foam in the liquid fixing solution 210, thereby generating a foamy fixing solution F. Next, the foam-like fixer F in the fixer bottle 200 passes through the large-diameter bubble transport pipe 201 by the pressure from the air pump 300 and is sent to the foam stirrer 310.
The foam fixer F injected into the bubble stirrer 310 is shaped into a foam fixer F containing extremely fine bubbles by the bubble stirrer 310 and sent to the die coater head 501 as it is. Filled.
At this time, the air release valve 507 provided in the die coater head 501 is turned off (opened) in order to prevent the filled foamy fixing solution F from bleeding, and the die coater head 501 is not shown. A shutter open / close signal is transmitted to close the die coater head end shutter.
Further, during the series of operations, the passage of the foam fixing solution F is monitored by each of the bubble sensors (S1, S3) as fixing bubble detection means provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the foam fixing solution F. Check that the flow of the foam-like fixer F is not blocked by the occurrence of abnormalities such as freezing, mixing of foreign substances, or stopping the foam stirring motor M3 or the air pump 300 in the transport path of the foam-like fixer F. ing.
In the present embodiment, the bubble sensors (S1, S3) that detect the foam-like fixing liquid include a light emitting element 205 and a light receiving element 206 as shown in FIG. The passage of the foam-like fixing liquid F in the transport path 207 is monitored by a detection method using light transmittance.

After confirming that there is no abnormality in the conveying path of the foam-like fixing liquid F, the driving of the air pump 300 and the foam stirring motor M3 is stopped, and then the die coater head tip shutter provided in the die coater head 501 Is closed and the atmosphere release valve 507 is opened.
In the fixing unit 60 of this embodiment, the foamy fixing liquid F is not applied onto the application roller 61 during the initialization operation from the viewpoint of reducing the consumption of the fixing liquid.

Next, the discarding operation before the printing operation will be described.
When the original MS is placed on the scanner unit 150 and the start button of the copier 100 is pressed or a print signal is transmitted from an external device such as a PC, the copier body CPU 750 of the copier 100 receives the print signal. This is notified to the fixing unit CPU 700 provided in the fixing unit 60 by an I / F signal group.
If it is left for a long time after the initializing operation or after the previous printing operation until the next print signal is received, the density of the foam-like fixing liquid F in the die coater head 501 or the bubble stirrer 310 changes, or the foam deteriorates. Therefore, the fixing unit CPU 700 provided in the fixing unit 60 that has recognized the reception of the print signal starts a discarding operation before the printing operation.

As a specific operation of the discarding operation, the air agitating motor M3 of the air pump 300 or the bubble agitator 310 is turned on and simultaneously the atmosphere release valve 507 provided in the die coater head 501 is turned on (closed state). Increase the pressure in 501.
Next, the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are driven by turning on the application roller motor M1 and the pressure roller motor M2. When the motors (M1, M2) of the rollers (61, 62) start to rotate and the pressure in the die coater head 501 increases, the die coater head end shutter provided on the die coater head 501 of the fixing unit CPU700 is opened, The value set in the ROM data in the fixing unit CPU 700 is compared with the count value of the timer 710 in advance, and the foamy fixing liquid F is supplied to the application roller 61 for a predetermined time.
The foam-like fixing liquid F supplied onto the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 by the discarding operation is collected by a cleaning device including the cleaning blades (63, 64) and collected in a waste tank (not shown) and finally. Is destroyed.

When such a series of throwing-out operations is completed, the driving of the air pump 300 and the bubble stirring motor M3 of the bubble stirrer 310 is stopped, and then the die coater head tip shutter provided in the die coater head 501 is closed, The release valve 507 is opened.
Thereafter, a time during which all the foam-like fixing liquid remaining on the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 can be collected (executed while comparing the value set in the ROM data in the fixing unit CPU 700 with the count value of the timer 710). After the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are rotated for the predetermined time, the application roller motor M1 and the pressure roller motor M2 are stopped, and the series of throwing-out operations is completed.
In the above description, the “predetermined time” is referred to, and the predetermined time here means a time until the foam-like fixing liquid F stored in the die coater head 501 or the bubble stirrer 310 is discharged. .
This discarding operation is not always performed before the printing operation, but is performed when the next print request is received within a time period in which the deterioration of the foam-like fixing solution F is allowed or during the continuous printing operation. If it is determined that there is almost no deterioration of the fixing solution F, the operation is not performed.

Next, the printing operation will be described.
After the discarding operation described above, the fixing unit CPU 700 in the fixing unit 60 operates the air pump 300 again to send air into the fixing liquid bottle 200. In the fixer bottle 200 fed with air, the liquid fixer 210 and air are mixed, and large bubbles are bubbled into the liquid fixer 210 to generate a foamy fixer F. Next, the foam-like fixer F in the fixer bottle 200 passes through the large-diameter bubble transport pipe 201 by the pressure from the air pump 300 and is sent to the foam stirrer 310. The foam fixer F injected into the bubble stirrer 310 is shaped into a foam fixer F containing extremely fine bubbles by the bubble stirrer 310 and sent to the die coater head 501 as it is. Filled.
At this time, the air release valve 507 provided in the die coater head 501 is turned off (opened) in order to prevent the filled foamy fixing solution F from bleeding, and the die coater head 501 is not shown. A pressure signal in the die coater head 501 is increased by transmitting a shutter open / close signal that closes the die coater head end shutter.
Further, during a series of operations, the bubble fixing solution F is passed by the bubble sensors (S1, S3) and the bubble velocity sensor S2 as fixing bubble detection means provided in the middle of the conveying path of the bubble fixing solution F. The flow of the foam-like fixer F is interrupted due to the occurrence of an abnormality such as freezing, mixing of foreign substances, or the suspension of the foam stirring motor M3 or the air pump 300 in the conveyance path of the foam-like fixer F. Always make sure not.

Next, the fixing unit CPU 700 drives the paper supply side opening / closing motor M4 and the paper discharge side opening / closing motor M5, so that the paper supply side opening / closing door 604 provided at the entrance of the fixing unit 60 and the paper discharge provided at the outlet are provided. The side opening / closing door 607 is opened, and the transfer paper P on which the toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer nip is guided into the exterior cover 600 of the fixing unit 60.
Next, the fixing unit CPU 700 detects the leading edge of the transfer paper P by the paper leading edge detection sensor S4 and confirms that the transfer paper P has entered the fixing unit 60. Then, the application roller motor M1 and the pressure roller motor M2 are detected. The application roller is turned on, and the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are rotated.
When the application roller motor M1 and the pressure roller motor M2 are turned on and the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 start to rotate, the fixing unit CPU 700 turns on the fixing paper supply motor M6 of the fixing paper supply roller pair 67. While driving, the die coater head front end shutter is opened, and the application of the foamy fixing solution F to the application roller 61 is started.

Thereafter, the fixing unit CPU 700 controls the fixing paper feed timing adjusting clutch 68 in a timely manner so that the foam-like fixing liquid F can be applied in the application region from the leading edge of the transfer paper P, so that the foam-like liquid onto the transfer paper P is controlled. Application of the fixer F is started.
Thereafter, the application time value for each print paper size registered in advance in the ROM in the fixing unit CPU 700 is compared with the timer count value, and the application ends when the values match. When the application is completed, the unfixed toner image on the transfer paper P becomes a fixed image by applying a foamy fixing solution F, and the transfer paper P on which the image has been fixed is placed on a paper discharge tray 10 outside the copying machine 100. The paper is ejected.
When it is confirmed by the paper discharge sensor (not shown) provided on the copying machine 100 main body side that the transfer paper P has been discharged onto the paper discharge tray 10, the copying machine main body CPU 750 is provided with a fixing unit CPU 700 provided in the fixing unit 60. Is notified that the transfer sheet P is discharged by the I / F signal group. When the discharge of the transfer paper P is confirmed, the fixing unit CPU 700 stops driving the paper feed side opening / closing motor M4 and the paper discharge side opening / closing motor M5. As a result, the paper feed side opening / closing door 604 and the paper discharge side opening / closing door 607 close the entrance and exit of the exterior cover 600 of the fixing unit 60 by the biasing force of the biasing member. Furthermore, the fixing unit CPU 700 stops driving the air pump 300 and the bubble stirring motor M3 of the bubble stirrer 310, and then closes the die coater head end shutter provided in the die coater head 501 and opens the atmosphere release valve 507.
Thereafter, the application roller motor M1 and the pressure roller motor M2 were driven only for a time during which all the foam-like fixing liquid F (application remaining bubbles) remaining on the surfaces of the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 could be collected. Thereafter, these motors are stopped, and the printing operation is completed.
Note that the foam-like fixing liquid F (application residual bubbles) remaining on the surfaces of the application roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 is collected by a cleaning device including the cleaning blades (63, 64) and collected in a waste tank (not shown). Is eventually discarded.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, in the fixing unit 60 provided in the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment, the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the copying machine 100 main body on the exterior of the exterior cover 600 that is a storage case. As an inclination prevention means for preventing the fixing unit 60 from being inclined with respect to the state of the fixing unit 60 at the time, a detachment guide as a caution label 602 on the upper surface of the outer cover 600 or a laterally prohibited protrusion. 606 is provided. Accordingly, when the fixing unit 60 is replaced or when the fixing unit 60 is removed and left unattended, it is possible to prevent the fixing unit 60 from tilting and causing liquid leakage of the fixing liquid.

  In addition, a joint that connects the discharge port of the fixing liquid bottle 200 at the bottle installation portion of the fixing unit 60, a large-diameter foam transport pipe 201 and a small-diameter foam transport pipe 202 that constitute the liquid transport path, an air release valve 507, a foam stirrer 310 and a die coater head 501 are provided with a liquid leakage prevention seal (not shown). Thereby, it is possible to further improve prevention of liquid leakage of the fixing liquid.

  The exterior cover 600 serving as a storage case is provided with a coating layer 608 in order to be formed of a member that does not soften or change in strength due to the fixing solution. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the softening damage in the copying machine 100 due to the liquid leakage of the fixing liquid.

  Further, a unit drawer handle portion 605 is provided as a handle portion that makes it easy to pull out the fixing unit 60 in parallel with the moving direction of the fixing unit 60 when the fixing unit 60 is attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 main body. As a result, when the fixing unit 60 is attached or detached, the fixing unit 60 can be prevented from tilting, and liquid leakage of the fixing liquid can be prevented.

  The fixing unit 60, which is a non-heat fixing type fixing device, uses a fixing solution containing a softening agent for softening at least a part of the resin. The copying machine 100 has a configuration in which the fixing unit 60 is replaced. If a large vibration or inclination is applied when the used fixing unit 60 is removed from the copying machine 100 main body, a gap between the fixing unit 60, a seal portion, Due to the influence of swelling deformation of other resin members (rollers, cleaning members, etc.), the fixing solution leaks from the fixing unit 60, and the resin members other than the fixing unit 60 in the copying machine 100 are slightly deteriorated or swollen. There is a possibility of causing deformation due to this, which may cause a device failure. Also, when the fixing unit 60 after being removed is left, if there is an article made of resin at a position where the fixing unit 60 is left, such as a desk or a shelf, if liquid leakage occurs in the copying machine 100 Similarly to the above, there is a possibility that the article at the position where the fixing unit 60 is left undisturbed due to the leakage of the fixing liquid.

  In order to prevent such damage, the joint of the fixing liquid bottle 200 which is the fixing liquid storage means in the exterior cover 600 which is the storage case of the fixing unit 60, the large-diameter bubble transport pipe 201 and the small diameter constituting the liquid transport path. A liquid leakage prevention seal (for example, a silicon-based member, a metal-based member, a ceramic member, etc.) (not shown) is provided on the bubble transport pipe 202, the air release valve 507, the bubble stirrer 310, and the die coater head 501. Thereby, it is possible to further improve prevention of liquid leakage of the fixing liquid.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a coating layer 608 and a cover (for example, a silicon-based member, a metal-based material) are provided on the inner wall surface of the outer cover 600 so as not to leak outside from the outer cover 600 of the fixing unit 60. Member, ceramic member, etc.) may be provided. The coating layer 608 and the cover may be provided on the exterior wall surface of the exterior cover 600.
Further, the material of the resin member itself constituting the exterior cover 600 may be composed of a material that does not cause swelling deformation or deterioration with the fixing liquid. Examples of such materials include silicon-based members, metal-based members, ceramic members, PET, POM, PP, and Teflon (registered trademark). By using such an exterior cover 600, it is possible to prevent leakage outside the fixing unit 60 even if liquid leakage occurs inside the fixing unit 60, and the copying machine 100 outside the fixing unit 60 is configured. Problems due to adhesion of the fixing solution to the member can be prevented.

In addition, when the fixing unit 60 is greatly inclined or vibrated when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into or removed from the copying machine 100 main body during maintenance or replacement, the fixing solution may leak. In order to prevent the fixing unit 60 from being greatly inclined or greatly vibrated, a unit drawer handle portion 605 provided by the user is provided, and is provided in the fixing unit 60 and a guide member provided on the main body side of the copying machine 100. The fixing unit 60 is inserted and removed by fitting with the convex attachment / detachment guide 606.
Furthermore, when the fixing unit 60 is pulled out and then left in an upside-down or standing state, there is a risk that the fixing solution leaks. As described above, in order to prevent the fixing unit 60 from being left upside down or standing, a convex attachment / detachment guide 606 having a role as a laterally prohibited protrusion is provided on the side surface of the fixing unit 60. Provided on the upper surface of the fixing unit 60 is a top / bottom inversion prohibiting convex portion 601. In this way, by providing convex portions on the upper surface and side surfaces of the fixing unit 60 so that the fixing unit 60 cannot be stood vertically or left upside down, fixing when the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the main body of the copying machine 100 is performed. The unit 60 is left to be always in the same state (direction).

  In addition to providing a convex portion on the exterior cover 600, as shown in FIG. 4, a caution label 602 that prohibits the fixing unit 60 from being set up vertically or reversed upside down is provided to the user. However, it is more effective to call attention. The attention label 602 is written in cautions in international standards and six languages to alert users in the global market and can be recognized and sold internationally, leading to market expansion. Become.

[Modification 1]
In the copying machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the fixing unit 60 is configured so that the fixing liquid bottle 200 can also be attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 integrally.
However, if the fixing unit 60 is replaced while the fixing liquid bottle 200 is inserted into the fixing unit 60 when the fixing unit 60 is attached to or detached from the copying machine 100 main body, the fixing unit 60 is greatly inclined or greatly vibrated by the user's hand. The risk of liquid leakage increases.
Therefore, as a first modification, when the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the copying machine 100 main body, the fixing liquid bottle 200 is detachable from the bottle installation section which is the fixing liquid storage means installation section of the fixing unit 60. The configuration will be described.
Note that the copying machine 100 according to the first modification is configured such that the fixing liquid bottle 200 cannot be attached to the fixing unit 60 unless the fixing unit 60 is attached to the copying machine 100 main body. Unlike the copying machine 100, other points are common. Therefore, the description of the configuration already described with the configuration common to the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a bottle installing unit 620 and a fixing solution bottle 200 that are fixing solution storage means installing units of the fixing unit 60 included in the copying machine 100 according to the first modification. FIG. 11 is a perspective explanatory view of the fixing unit 60 when attached to the copying machine 100 main body as viewed from the opposite direction to FIG. 4, and the configuration for detecting the attachment / detachment of the fixing unit 60 to / from the copying machine 100 main body is described. It is a figure to do. Further, FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the control when the connector is connected, the left side is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the copying machine 100 with the broken line in FIG. 12 interposed, and the right side with the broken line is the fixing unit. It is explanatory drawing of the structure with which 60 is provided.
As shown in FIG. 10, the bottle setting unit 620 of the first modification includes a fixing bottle fitting unit 320, a bottle stopper 621, a bottle stopper solenoid 625, and a bottle stopper spring 622. The configuration of the fixing bottle fitting unit 320 is also a configuration that includes the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment.
The fixing bottle fitting portion 320 includes a unit side air injection connection portion 320a and a unit side fixing liquid discharge connection portion 320b. The unit-side air injection connection portion 320a is connected to the bottle-side air injection connection portion 200a of the fixer bottle 200, whereby the air pump 300 and the fixer bottle 200 communicate with each other, and the air pump 300 is driven to drive the fixer bottle. It becomes possible to send air into the 200. In addition, the unit-side fixing solution discharge connection part 320 b is connected to the bottle-side fixing solution discharge connection part 200 b of the fixing solution bottle 200, so that the fixing solution bottle 200 communicates with the bubble agitator 310 via the large-diameter bubble transport pipe 201. As a result, the foam-like fixing solution F in the fixing solution bottle 200 can be conveyed to the bubble stirrer 310.

As shown in FIG. 11, a connector convex portion 630 provided on the fixing unit 60 is provided on the side of the fixing unit 60 connected to the copier 100, and the copier 100 facing the connector convex portion 630. A connector recess 130 is provided at a position on the main body side.
As shown in FIG. 12, the connector portion in which the connector convex portion 630 and the connector concave portion 130 are fitted includes an I / F (interface) communication connection portion 730, a control system power supply connection portion 731, a drive system power supply connection portion 732, and And a pull-up ground connection 733. The I / F communication connection unit 730 is a circuit connection unit that exchanges information between the copying machine main body CPU 750 and the fixing unit CPU 700 using an I / F signal group.
Further, the copying machine 100 main body includes a fixing control unit 631 including the fixing unit CPU 700 of the fixing unit 60 and a fixing control system power source 531 and a fixing driving system power source 532 as power sources for the fixing driving system 632 of the fixing unit 60. The connector control system power supply connection portion 731 is a connection portion between the fixing control system power supply 531 and the fixing control portion 631, and the drive system power supply connection portion 732 is between the fixing drive system power supply 532 and the fixing drive system 632. It is a connection part. In the first modification, the voltage of the fixing control system power supply 531 is 5V, and the voltage of the fixing drive system power supply 532 is 24V.
The signal line 131 connecting the pull-up ground connection 733 and the copying machine main body CPU 750 is provided with a pull-up circuit 760 that is pulled up to the power source Vcc via the resistor R. Further, the fixing unit 60 side of the pull-up ground connection portion 733 is connected to the ground wire 132 grounded to the ground level.

Next, in the first modification, control when the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the copying machine 100 main body will be described.
In a state where the fixing unit 60 is not attached to the copying machine 100 main body, the power source Vcc of the pull-up circuit 760 is connected only to the copying machine main body CPU 750 via the resistor R, so that the signal line 131 of the copying machine main body CPU 750 is connected. A current from the power source Vcc flows into the connected IN port, and an H (high) level input is present. On the other hand, when the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the copying machine 100 main body, the connector convex portion 630 and the connector concave portion 130 are fitted, and the pull-up circuit 760 is connected to the ground wire 132 via the pull-up ground connection portion 733. Thus, a circuit in which the pull-up circuit 760 and the ground level are directly connected without resistance is formed. On the other hand, since a resistor (not shown) is provided at the IN port to which the signal line 131 of the copying machine main body CPU 750 is connected, the current from the power supply Vcc flows to the ground level via the pull-up ground connection 733, A signal input from the signal line 131 to the IN port of the copying machine main body CPU 750 is a ground level (0V) signal, and there is an input of L (low) level.
With this configuration, the copying machine main body CPU 750 recognizes that the fixing unit 60 is not installed when the input signal from the IN port to which the signal line 131 is connected is at the H level, and this signal is at the L level. Thus, it is recognized that the fixing unit 60 is attached.
Such a configuration including the pull-up circuit 760 connected to the copying machine main body CPU 750 and the ground wire 132 connected to the pull-up circuit 760 via the pull-up ground connection 733 serves as the fixing unit detection unit S5. Achieve function.

When the input signal from the IN port to which the signal line 131 is connected becomes L level and it is confirmed that the fixing unit 60 is installed, the copying machine main body CPU 750 turns on the fixing control system power supply 531 and the fixing drive system power supply 532. Turn it on. As a result, electric power is supplied to the fixing control unit 631 and the fixing driving system 632 via the control system power supply connection unit 731 and the driving system power supply connection unit 732, and the fixing unit CPU 700 operates.
The configuration of detecting the mounting of the fixing unit 60 by connecting the connector portions (connector convex portion 630 and connector concave portion 130) and supplying power from the copying machine 100 main body to the fixing unit 60 after the fixing unit 60 is mounted are as follows. The configuration is not limited to the first modification, and the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment is also provided.

When the fixing unit 60 of the first modification is not installed in the copying machine 100, the bottle stopper 621 protrudes into the fixing bottle fitting unit 320. In this state, the fixing liquid bottle 200 is inserted into the fixing unit 60. Can not be inserted.
Next, when the fixing unit 60 is installed in the copying machine 100 main body, the signal input from the signal line 131 to the copying machine main body CPU 750 is changed, and the fixing unit 60 is supplied with electric power. It is confirmed that the fixing unit 60 is set in the copying machine 100. When it is confirmed that the fixing unit 60 is set in the copying machine 100, the fixing unit CPU 700 operates the bottle stopper solenoid 625 so as to release the bottle stopper 621 that has prevented the fixing liquid bottle 200 from being inserted. Control.
In the first modification, the fixing liquid bottle insertion prohibiting mechanism that prevents the fixing liquid bottle 200 from being attached to the bottle setting section 620 when the fixing unit 60 is removed from the copying machine 100 main body is the bottle stopper 621, the bottle A stopper solenoid 625 and a bottle stopper spring 622 are included. When the fixing unit 60 is not attached to the main body of the copying machine 100, the bottle stopper 621 is pushed up into the fixing bottle fitting unit 320 by the urging force of the bottle stopper spring 622, and the fixing liquid into the bottle setting unit 620. The insertion of the bottle 200 is prevented. On the other hand, when the fixing unit 60 is installed in the copying machine 100 main body, power is supplied to the fixing unit 60 and the fixing unit CPU 700 confirms that the fixing unit 60 is installed in the copying machine 100 main body. The fixing unit CPU 700 controls the bottle stopper solenoid 625 so that the bottle stopper 621 pushed up by the urging force is lowered, and the fixing liquid bottle insertion prohibiting mechanism is released. As a result, the fixing liquid bottle 200 can be inserted into the bottle setting section 620 of the fixing unit 60.
With such a configuration, the fixing liquid bottle 200 cannot be installed in the fixing unit 60 until the fixing unit 60 is installed in the copying machine 100 main body, and the liquid leaks when the user replaces the fixing unit 60. This risk can be further avoided.

As described above, there are various merits by making the fixing unit 60 of the non-heat fixing type into a one-cartridge type unit.
However, a fixing unit 60 that uses a fixing solution containing a softening agent for softening at least a part of the toner resin and is applied to the toner layer T on the transfer paper P to soften and fix the toner is an electrophotographic apparatus. When used in a certain copying machine 100 for a long period of time, the seal portion and other resin members (rollers, cleaning members, etc.) may be slightly deteriorated or deformed due to swelling due to the influence of the fixing solution. As a result, leakage of the fixing liquid occurs, and the fixing liquid adheres to members outside the fixing unit 60 in the copying machine 100, causing the resin in the copying machine 100 to be deteriorated or deformed due to swelling, which may cause a failure of the apparatus. There is a possibility.

Therefore, before the seal member and other resin members (rollers, cleaning members, etc.) used in the fixing unit 60 are deformed, the user's hand is simultaneously used with the members constituting another image forming unit having a short life. By integrating with the image forming unit (photosensitive unit, developing unit, waste toner bottle, toner bottle, etc.) so that it can be exchanged by the user, it is possible to further improve the exchange operability for the user.
A specific example will be described as Modification 2 and Modification 3 with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second modification of the present invention. As a monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 of a type that directly transfers a toner image on the photoreceptor 4 to the transfer paper P, a photoreceptor unit 400 and a fixing unit 60 are provided. It is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure.
Among the members in FIG. 13, members having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are members that play the same role as the members of the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment. A monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 13 includes a charging charger 5a as a charging member for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor 4, and the developing device 6 forms a developing unit 69 integrally with the toner containing portion 6a. Further, a transfer charger 99 is provided as a transfer member for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive member 4 onto the transfer paper P, and the drum cleaning device 15 is not only a cleaning member but also a waste toner bottle for storing the collected transfer residual toner. It also has a function as. Note that reference numeral “T1” in FIG. 13 indicates a toner layer fixed on the transfer paper P. The monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 constitutes a photoreceptor unit 400 by integrally supporting the photoreceptor 4, the charger 5 a, the drum cleaning device 15, and the charge removal lamp 22. Further, the fixing unit 60 and the photosensitive unit 400 constitute an image forming and fixing unit 800 that is detachable from the monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 main body.

[Modification 3]
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a third modification of the present invention, which includes a revolver developing unit 79 including a developing device for Y, M, C, and K and a photosensitive member 4, and uses one photosensitive member 4 repeatedly. As a revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 for forming each color toner image, an intermediate transfer unit 450 provided with an intermediate transfer belt 91 for primary transfer of the toner image on the photoreceptor 4 and a fixing unit 60 are integrated. It is a schematic diagram.
Of the members in FIG. 14, members having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are members that play the same role as the members of the copying machine 100 of the above-described embodiment. The members having the same reference numerals are members that play the same role as the members of the monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 described above. In the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 14, electrostatic latent images for Y, M, C, and K are sequentially formed on the photosensitive member 4, and these electrostatic latent images are stored in the revolver developing unit 79. The toner is successively developed into Y, M, C, and K toner images by the developing device. The developed Y, M, C, and K toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 91. The four-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 91 by this superimposing transfer is collectively transferred onto the transfer paper P at a position facing the secondary transfer charger 39. The intermediate transfer belt 91 is in a position indicated by a broken line when the toner images on the photoconductor 4 are sequentially superimposed and transferred, and when a four-color toner image is formed and transferred onto the transfer paper P at a time. The position is indicated by a solid line.
The revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 includes a middle transfer fixing unit 850 that is detachably attached to the main body of the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 with the intermediate transfer unit 450 including the intermediate transfer belt 91 and the fixing unit 60 integrally. It is composed.

  Note that the combinations of the fixing unit 60 and the members constituting the image forming unit as in the second and third modifications have different component life and size depending on the individual methods of the image forming apparatus. Unitization must be performed with the combination of the optimum size and the approximate life while considering the items. Furthermore, by integrating the non-heating fixing unit 60 with other image forming units (photosensitive unit, developing unit, waste toner bottle, toner bottle, etc.), other components can be arranged near the unit in terms of layout design. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be further downsized.

  Further, as in Modification 2 and Modification 3, the fixing unit 60 and the image forming unit (for example, a photosensitive unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a developing unit, etc.) are integrated with each other so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In this case, a shielding member made of a member that does not cause softening or strength change by the fixing solution is provided at the boundary between the two units, and a part of the portion that is shielded by the shielding member only when the transfer paper P passes is opened and closed. A configuration in which means for passing P is provided is preferable. Thus, by providing the shielding members in the two units, it is possible to prevent the liquid leakage of the fixing solution in the fixing unit 60 from affecting the image forming side unit, and to prevent the members constituting the image forming side unit from being softened. Can be prevented.

  Further, as in Modification 2 and Modification 3, the fixing unit 60 and the image forming unit (for example, a photosensitive unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a developing unit, etc.) are integrated with each other so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. By providing the image forming apparatus with a unit that can separate the fixing unit 60 and the image forming unit, the replacement unit at the time of failure can be minimized.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the intermediate transfer fixing unit 850 of the third modification shown in FIG. 14 can be separated into the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450.
14 are members that play the same role as the members of the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 of Modification 3 shown in FIG. 14, and the members shown in FIG. The members having the same reference numerals are members that play the same role as the members of the fixing unit 60 provided in the copying machine 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450 that is the image forming unit are integrated, the unit itself may be tilted due to some cause such as jam processing or unit replacement, or a large vibration may be applied. In some cases, the fixing liquid transport system or the coating unit may be damaged. When the fixing liquid leaks on the fixing unit 60 side due to this damage, the fixing liquid also flows into the intermediate transfer unit 450 side that is the image forming side unit, and the resin member in the intermediate transfer unit 450 is deformed due to deterioration or swelling. May result in failure of the entire image forming apparatus.
Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 15, an opening / closing type shielding mechanism is provided between the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450, and the sheet feeding side opening / closing door 604 that is a shielding member is opened only when the transfer paper P passes. A paper feed side opening / closing motor M4 is provided. With such a configuration, even when the fixing solution leaks on the fixing unit 60 side, the fixing solution does not flow into the intermediate transfer unit 450 side, and damage to the image forming apparatus can be minimized. It becomes.

In addition, when only the fixing unit 60 fails, it is a waste to replace the intermediate transfer fixing unit 850 as a whole. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 15, both units can be fitted to the boundary between the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450 so that only the fixing unit 60 side can be separated and replaced from the intermediate transfer unit 450. A fitting structure 609 is provided in which a groove and a convex portion are provided, and both units can be separated and removed. Further, at the upstream end in the transport direction of the transfer paper transport path Rs of the intermediate transfer unit 450, when the transfer paper P does not pass, the transfer section paper feed side opening / closing that shields the transfer paper transport path Rs upstream of the intermediate transfer unit 450 is performed. A door 901 is provided.
The fitting structure 609 shown in FIG. 15 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown), and the two units cannot be separated unless the lock mechanism is released.
In addition, by providing a separable fitting structure 609, it is easy to check the inside of the unit by separating with the fitting structure 609 even when a jam occurs inside one of the units. Therefore, it is also effective when processing jammed paper.
The image forming side unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body integrally with the fixing unit 60 and is separable from the fixing unit 60 is not limited to the intermediate transfer unit 450. The photoconductor unit 400 according to the second modification may be used, or another image forming unit may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the application roller 61 that is a fixing liquid application unit applies a foamy fixing liquid to an unfixed toner image on the transfer paper P that is a recording medium. The image forming apparatus provided with the characterizing portion of the present invention is not limited to a unit in which the fixing solution applying unit applies the fixing solution to the recording medium such as the transfer paper P. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-109749. As in the fixing device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11, the fixing device that applies a fixing solution to an unfixed toner image on a toner image carrier such as an intermediate transfer belt can be applied to a unit.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming unit 3 and the transfer unit 90 which are toner image forming means for forming a toner image on the transfer paper P that is a recording medium using toner including resin fine particles containing a resin and a colorant. A fixing solution bottle 200 that is a fixing solution containing means for containing a fixing solution containing a softening agent that softens the toner by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin of the toner, and a toner that forms a toner image on the surface A transfer roller P serving as a fixing solution applying unit for applying a fixing solution to the surface of the transfer paper P carrying the layer T, and fixing the toner image on which the toner is softened by applying the fixing solution to the transfer paper P; In the copying machine 100 as an image forming apparatus that forms an image, the fixing liquid moves at least from the application roller 61 as a fixing liquid application unit and from the fixing liquid bottle 200 to the application roller 61. Integrally supporting members (large-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 201, bubble stirrer 310, small-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 202, and die coater head 501) constituting the fixing liquid conveyance path to be attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 main body. By having the fixing unit 60 configured freely, the application roller 61 as a member for applying the fixing liquid to the toner image can be provided to the main body of the copying machine 100 without providing a detachable configuration in the fixing liquid conveyance path. Can be attached and detached. When the application roller 61 is removed from the copying machine 100 main body, the fixing liquid conveyance path is not cut off, so that the fixing liquid can be prevented from leaking when the application roller 61 is replaced.
Further, since the heating type fixing device is affected by heat, it is difficult for the user to replace the fixing device. However, since the fixing unit 60 is a non-heating type fixing device, the user can replace the fixing device. It can be done easily. In addition, even if the fixing device reaches the end of its life or the fixing device fails, the fixing device can be replaced by the user without calling a service person, so that the maintainability is improved. Further, by adopting a one-cartridge system with the fixing device as the fixing unit 60, other image forming units that are currently collected and recycled (photosensitive unit, developing unit, waste toner bottle, toner bottle, etc.) It can be recovered and recycled in the same way as Further, since the fixing unit 60 is a non-heating type fixing device, there is no restriction on the layout due to the influence of heat around the fixing device, and the degree of freedom of layout is widened. Miniaturization can be achieved.

  Further, the fixing unit 60 of the copying machine 100 generates bubbles in the liquid fixer 210 in the fixer bottle 200, and the liquid fixer 210 is changed to a foamy fixer F in which bubbles are dispersed. The fixing liquid foaming means includes an air pump 300, a fixing liquid bottle 200, a bubble stirrer 310, and the like, and the application roller 61 as a fixing liquid application means applies the foamy fixing liquid F to the surface of the transfer paper P. By doing so, since the fixing is performed using the foamy fixing solution, it is possible to fix the toner image without disturbing the toner by applying a smaller amount of the fixing solution than before.

  In addition, the air pump 300, the fixing liquid bottle 200, the bubble stirrer 310, and the like constituting the fixing liquid foaming unit are disposed in the fixing unit 60, and other members (the application roller 61, the pressure roller, and the like) constituting the fixing unit 60. The roller 62 and the like are detachable from the copying machine 100 main body. By disposing the members constituting the fixing liquid foaming means in the fixing unit 60, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fixing liquid from leaking.

  In addition, as an inclination preventing means for preventing the fixing unit 60 from being inclined with respect to the state of the fixing unit 60 when the fixing unit 60 is mounted on the copying machine 100 main body, an attaching / detaching guide 606, a unit drawer. It has a handle portion 605, a top and bottom inversion prohibiting convex portion 601, and a caution label 602. With such a configuration, when the fixing unit 60 is replaced or when the fixing unit 60 is removed and left unattended, it is possible to prevent the fixing unit 60 from tilting and causing liquid leakage of the fixing solution.

  In addition, the fixing unit 60 is a joint between the large-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 201 and the small-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 202, the air release valve 507, the bubble stirrer 310, the die coater head 501, and the like that are members constituting the fixing liquid conveyance path. By providing an anti-moisture prevention seal (not shown), it is possible to further improve the anti-moisture prevention of the fixing solution.

  In addition, the fixing unit 60 has an entire supporting member disposed in an exterior cover 600 that is a unit exterior case. The exterior cover 600 includes a coating layer 608, and the exterior cover 600 is softened by a fixing solution. It is a member that does not cause a change in strength. With such a configuration, even if liquid leakage occurs in the fixing unit 60, it is possible to prevent softening damage to members constituting the copying machine 100 outside the outer cover 600.

  Further, a unit drawer handle portion having a handle portion that makes it easy to pull out the fixing unit 60 parallel to the moving direction of the fixing unit 60 when the fixing unit 60 is attached to and detached from the copying machine 100 main body. By having 605, the fixing unit 60 can be prevented from tilting when the fixing unit 60 is attached and detached, and liquid leakage of the fixing liquid can be prevented.

  Further, in the case of the copying machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the fixing solution bottle 200 as the fixing solution storage unit is disposed in the fixing unit 60 and together with other members constituting the fixing unit 60, the copying machine 100 main body. It is configured to be detachable. With such a configuration, the fixing liquid bottle 200, each member forming a conveyance path (a large-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 201, a bubble stirrer, a small-diameter bubble conveyance pipe 202, and a die coater head 501), and a fixing liquid application unit. When the application roller 61 is integrated, it is possible to improve the sealing property of the conveyance path through which the fixing solution passes from the fixing solution bottle 200 that contains the fixing solution to the application roller 61 that applies the fixing solution to the transfer paper P. Furthermore, liquid leakage can be prevented. Further, when the liquid fixing liquid 210 is used up, the fixing unit 60 is replaced at the timing of replacing the fixing liquid bottle 200 that needs to be replaced, and the members constituting the fixing device such as the application roller 61 that is the fixing liquid application unit are also replaced. Therefore, the life management of the members constituting the fixing device is facilitated.

  The fixing unit 60 included in the copying machine 100 according to the first modification includes a bottle setting unit 620 that is a fixing solution storage unit that sets a fixing solution bottle 200 that is a fixing solution storage unit. The fixing unit 60 can be attached to the bottle setting unit 620 in a state where the fixing unit 60 is attached to the copying machine 100 main body, and the fixing solution bottle 200 is attached to the bottle setting unit 620 when the fixing unit 60 is removed from the copying machine 100 main body. As a fixing liquid bottle insertion prohibiting mechanism that prevents this, a bottle stopper 621, a bottle stopper solenoid 625, and a bottle stopper spring 622 are provided. By having such a fixing liquid bottle insertion prohibition mechanism, the fixing liquid bottle 200 cannot be installed in the fixing unit 60 until the fixing unit 60 is installed in the copying machine 100 main body. It is possible to further avoid the risk of liquid leakage during the work of replacing.

  Further, like the monochrome electrophotographic apparatus 101 of the second modification and the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 of the third modification, the fixing unit 60 is a photosensitive image forming unit that constitutes at least a part of the toner image forming unit. The body unit 400 and the intermediate transfer unit 450 may be integrated with the image forming apparatus main body (image forming fixing unit 800 or intermediate transfer fixing unit 850). Thus, by integrating the fixing unit 60 and the image forming side unit, it is possible to improve the user's exchange operability.

  Further, in the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 of the third modification, the fixing unit 60 has a foamy fixing solution F on the transfer paper P carrying the toner image formed on the surface thereof by the image forming unit 3 which is a toner image forming means. The intermediate transfer unit 450 that is an image forming unit is a recording medium transfer unit that transfers a toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 91 that is a toner image carrier onto the transfer paper P. The transfer sheet P having a secondary transfer charger 39 constituting the next transfer section and having the toner image transferred in the intermediate transfer unit 450 is applied by a coating roller 61 which is a fixing liquid applying means when passing through the fixing unit 60. When the transfer paper P does not pass through the transfer paper transport path Rs at the boundary between the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450, the foamy fixing solution F is applied. The sheet has a sheet feeding side opening / closing door 604 that is a recording medium passage portion shielding member that is released only when the transfer sheet P passes through the transfer sheet conveying path Rs, and the sheet feeding side opening / closing door 604 that is a shielding member is provided. It is composed of a member that does not soften or change its strength due to the fixer. With such a configuration, even when the fixing solution leaks on the fixing unit 60 side, the fixing solution does not flow into the intermediate transfer unit 450 side, and damage to the image forming apparatus can be minimized. It becomes.

  Further, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 15 of Modification 3, the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450 can be integrally attached to and detached from the main body of the revolver type color electrophotographic apparatus 102 which is an image forming apparatus as the intermediate transfer fixing unit 850. Thus, the fixing unit 60 and the intermediate transfer unit 450 of the intermediate transfer fixing unit 850 may be configured to be separable. As described above, since the fitting structure 609 that can be separated is provided, the inside of the unit can be confirmed by separating with the fitting structure 609 even when a jam occurs inside one of the units. This is effective when processing jammed paper.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a copier according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged configuration diagram illustrating a part of an internal configuration of a printer unit in the copier. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing one of four image forming units in the copier. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a fixing unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a fixing unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a fixing unit. Explanatory drawing of an exterior cover. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit provided in the fixing unit. Explanatory drawing of an optical sensor. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a fixing unit bottle and a fixing liquid bottle of a fixing unit included in a copying machine according to Modification 1; FIG. 3 is an explanatory perspective view of the fixing unit as viewed from the side where it is attached to the copying machine. The block diagram explaining the control at the time of connector connection. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a monochrome electrophotographic apparatus according to a second modification. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a revolver developing unit according to Modification 3. Explanatory drawing of the structure which can divide the intermediate transfer fixing unit of the modification 3 into a fixing unit and an intermediate transfer unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer part 2 Optical writing device 3 Image forming unit 4 Photoconductor 5 Charging roller 5a Charging charger 6 Developing device 6a Toner accommodating part 10 Paper discharge tray 12 Developing roller 15 Drum cleaning device 16 Cleaning blade 22 Static elimination lamp 28 Paper conveyance unit 29 Paper transport belt 30 Driving roller 31 Secondary transfer roller 32 Belt cleaning device 33 Registration roller pair 36 Switchback device 37 Paper transport path 39 Secondary transfer charger 40 Paper feed device 41 Paper bank 42 Paper feed cassette 43 Delivery roller 44 Paper feed path 45 Separating roller 47 Conveying roller 50 Document conveying and reading unit 51 ADF
60 Fixing Unit 61 Application Roller 62 Pressure Roller 63 Application Roller Cleaning Blade 64 Pressure Roller Cleaning Blade 65 Separation Claw 67 Fixing Feeding Roller Pair 68 Fixing Feeding Timing Matching Clutch 69 Development Unit 70 Foamed Fixing Solution Applying Section 79 Revolver Development Unit 91 Intermediate transfer belt 92 First stretch roller 94 Lower stretch roller 95 Primary transfer roller 99 Transfer charger 100 Copying machine 101 Monochrome electrophotographic device 102 Revolver type color electrophotographic device 130 Connector recess 131 Signal line 132 Ground wire 150 Scanner unit 151 Fixed Reading Unit 152 Moving Reading Unit 153 Image Reading Sensor 200 Fixing Liquid Bottle 200a Bottle Side Air Injecting Connection Portion 200b Bottle Side Fixing Solution Discharge Connection Portion 201 Large Diameter Bubble Conveying Tube 202 Small Diameter Bubble Conveying Tube 205 Light Emitting Element 20 Light receiving element 207 Transport path 240 Bottle insertion port 300 Air pump 310 Foam stirrer 320 Fixing bottle fitting part 320a Unit side air injection connection part 320b Unit side fixing liquid discharge connection part 400 Photosensitive unit 450 Intermediate transfer unit 500 Foamed fixing liquid Generation unit 501 Die coater head 507 Atmospheric release valve 531 Fixing control system power supply 532 Fixing drive system power supply 600 Exterior cover 601 Upside-down inversion prohibiting part 602 Caution label 603 Unit upper handle 604 Feeding side opening / closing door 604a Feeding side door rotating shaft 605 Unit drawer handle 606 Detachment guide 607 Discharge side opening / closing door 607a Discharge side door rotating shaft 608 Coating layer 609 Fitting structure 620 Bottle stopper 621 Bottle stopper 622 Bottle stopper spring 625 Bottle stopper solenoid 630 Kuta protrusion 631 fixing control unit 632 fixing the drive system 700 fixing unit CPU
710 Timer 720 DC / DC converter 730 I / F communication connection unit 731 Control system power supply connection unit 732 Drive system power supply connection unit 733 Pull-up ground connection unit 750 Copier main body CPU
760 Pull-up circuit 800 Image fixing unit 850 Intermediate transfer unit 901 Transfer unit paper feed side open / close door F Foam-like fixer Fs Foam detection signal M1 Motor for application roller M2 Motor for pressure roller M3 Motor for foam stirring M4 Paper feed Side open / close motor M5 Paper discharge side open / close motor M6 Fixing and feeding motor P Transfer paper S1 First bubble sensor S2 Bubble speed sensor S3 Second bubble sensor S4 Paper leading edge detection sensor S5 Fixing unit detection unit T Toner layer

Claims (12)

A toner image forming means for forming a toner image on a recording medium using a toner containing resin fine particles containing a resin and a colorant;
A fixing solution containing means for containing a fixing solution containing a softening agent that softens the toner by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin of the toner;
A fixing solution applying means for applying the fixing solution to the surface of the recording medium or toner image carrier that carries the toner image on the surface;
In the image forming apparatus for fixing the toner image softened by applying the fixing liquid onto the recording medium and forming an image,
The fixing solution applying unit and a member constituting a fixing solution transport path through which the fixing solution moves from the fixing solution storing unit to the fixing solution applying unit are integrally supported and detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising a fixing unit configured. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A fixing liquid foaming means for generating bubbles in the liquid of the fixing liquid and making the fixing liquid into a foamy fixing liquid in which bubbles are dispersed in the liquid;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing solution applying unit applies the foamy fixing solution to the surface of the recording medium or the surface of the toner image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing liquid foaming unit is disposed in the fixing unit and is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body together with other members constituting the fixing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing unit can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus integrally with an image forming side unit constituting at least a part of the toner image forming means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The fixing unit is configured to apply the fixing liquid to the recording medium that carries the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit on the surface,
The image forming unit includes a recording medium transfer unit that transfers a toner image formed on a toner image carrier to the recording medium,
The recording medium onto which the toner image has been transferred in the image forming side unit is configured to be applied with a fixing solution by the fixing solution applying means when passing through the fixing unit.
The portion of the boundary between the fixing unit and the image forming unit where the recording medium passes is shielded when the recording medium does not pass, and is released only when the recording medium passes. A recording medium passage portion shielding member to be
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the recording medium passage portion shielding member is composed of a member that does not soften or change in strength due to a fixing solution. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing unit and the image forming side unit are separable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an inclination preventing unit that prevents the fixing unit from being inclined with respect to a state of the fixing unit when the fixing unit is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing unit includes a liquid leakage prevention seal at a joint between members constituting the fixing liquid conveyance path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.
In the fixing unit, the whole supporting member is disposed in the unit outer case,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the unit outer case is formed of a member that does not soften or change in strength due to a fixing solution. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
The fixing unit includes a grip portion that facilitates pulling out the fixing unit in parallel with a moving direction of the fixing unit when the fixing unit is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing liquid storage means is disposed in the fixing unit and is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body together with other members constituting the fixing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.
The fixing unit includes a fixing solution storage unit setting unit for setting the fixing solution storage unit.
The fixing solution storage means can be attached to the fixing solution storage means installation portion with the fixing unit attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
An image forming apparatus configured to prevent the fixing liquid storage unit from being attached to the fixing liquid storage unit installation portion when the fixing unit is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images