WO2020194836A1 - Fixing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Fixing device and image forming device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020194836A1
WO2020194836A1 PCT/JP2019/042792 JP2019042792W WO2020194836A1 WO 2020194836 A1 WO2020194836 A1 WO 2020194836A1 JP 2019042792 W JP2019042792 W JP 2019042792W WO 2020194836 A1 WO2020194836 A1 WO 2020194836A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
fixing device
electrode
nozzle
counter electrode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/042792
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
将孝 神谷
豊 垣ヶ原
雅光 高橋
諭是 村田
賢悟 武田
Original Assignee
ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ブラザー工業株式会社 filed Critical ブラザー工業株式会社
Publication of WO2020194836A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020194836A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/20—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for fixing, e.g. by using heat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming device.
  • an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure apparatus, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a fixing apparatus.
  • the charger charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • the exposure apparatus exposes the peripheral surface of the charged photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • the developing device charges the toner and supplies it to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image.
  • the transfer device transfers the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum to the sheet.
  • the fixing device sprays the fixing solution on the sheet to fix the toner image on the sheet.
  • the fixing device includes a nozzle electrode and a nozzle.
  • the nozzle electrode applies a voltage to the fixer.
  • the nozzle sprays a fixer to which a voltage is applied by a nozzle electrode onto a sheet on which a toner image is formed (see Patent Document 1 below).
  • the fixing solution sprayed from the nozzle is charged. Further, the toner image formed on the sheet contains charged toner.
  • the toner image contains toner charged to the same polarity as the fixer, the toner may float from the sheet due to the electrostatic repulsive force between the fixer and the toner when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet. ..
  • an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixing device capable of suppressing the toner from floating from the sheet when the fixing solution is sprayed on the sheet and stably fixing the toner image on the sheet.
  • the fixing device of the present disclosure sprays a fixing solution on a sheet to be conveyed to fix a toner image formed on the sheet.
  • the fixing device includes a nozzle unit and a precharge electrode.
  • the nozzle unit has a fixer accommodating portion, a nozzle electrode, and a nozzle.
  • the fixer accommodating unit stores the fixer.
  • the nozzle electrode applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer container.
  • the nozzle sprays a fixer to which a voltage is applied by a nozzle electrode onto a sheet on which a toner image is formed.
  • the precharge electrode is located upstream of the nozzle in the sheet transport direction.
  • the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed.
  • the nozzle electrode applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer accommodating portion. Therefore, the fixer is charged to the first polarity.
  • the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed on the upstream side of the sheet in the conveying direction with respect to the nozzle. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner image is charged to the second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity.
  • the nozzle sprays the fixing solution charged in the first polarity onto the toner image charged in the second polarity. Therefore, when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet. As a result, the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet.
  • the fixing device may further include a first counter electrode.
  • the first counter electrode faces the precharge electrode at a distance in the first direction.
  • the first counter electrode is located on the opposite side of the precharge electrode with respect to the sheet in the first direction in a state where the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed.
  • the precharge electrode and the nozzle may be located on one side of the fixing device in the first direction.
  • the first counter electrode may be located on the other side of the fixing device in the first direction.
  • the precharge electrode may have a sharp shape.
  • the precharge electrode may have a plurality of sharp shapes along the second direction.
  • the second direction intersects both the first direction and the transport direction.
  • the first counter electrode may have a first terminal connected to the ground.
  • the first terminal may be positioned at intervals in the second direction with respect to a plurality of sharp shapes.
  • the fixing device may further include a second counter electrode.
  • the second counter electrode is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first counter electrode.
  • the second counter electrode faces the nozzle at intervals in the first direction.
  • the second counter electrode may have a second terminal connected to the ground.
  • the first terminal may be electrically connected to the second terminal.
  • the first counter electrode may be located at an interval on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the area where the fixer is sprayed by the nozzle.
  • the first counter electrode may have a transport guide that guides the transport of the sheet.
  • the fixing device may further include a holding portion for holding the first counter electrode.
  • the first counter electrode may be made of metal.
  • the holding portion may be made of resin.
  • the holding portion may have a boss.
  • the first counter electrode has a hole into which the boss is inserted.
  • the size of the hole in the second direction may be larger than the size of the boss in the second direction.
  • the first counter electrode may be made of metal.
  • the precharge electrode may be non-contact with the sheet.
  • the precharge electrode may be made of metal.
  • the first polarity may be the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet.
  • the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum and a fixing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16) above.
  • a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum.
  • the precharge electrode is located between the photosensitive drum and the nozzle unit in the sheet transport direction from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device.
  • the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, the fixing apparatus of (8) above, and a third terminal.
  • a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum.
  • the third terminal is connected to the ground.
  • the second terminal is electrically connected to the third terminal.
  • the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, the fixing apparatus of (10) above, and ribs.
  • a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum.
  • the ribs guide the transfer of the sheet from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device.
  • the transport guide has a recess for receiving the rib.
  • the fixing device and the image forming device of the present disclosure when the fixer is sprayed on the sheet, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet, and the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fixing device shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixing device shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transport guide and rib shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the first support portion shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the second support portion shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of the fixing device shown in FIG.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet supply unit 3, a photosensitive drum 4, a charging device 5, an exposure device 6, a developing device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9.
  • the housing 2 houses the sheet supply unit 3, the photosensitive drum 4, the charging device 5, the exposure device 6, the developing device 7, the transfer device 8, and the fixing device 9.
  • the sheet supply unit 3 supplies the sheet S to the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the sheet supply unit 3 includes a sheet cassette 30, a pickup roller 31, and a transfer roller 32.
  • the sheet cassette 30 accommodates the sheet S.
  • Sheet S is, for example, printing paper.
  • the pickup roller 31 conveys the sheet S in the sheet cassette 30 toward the transfer roller 32.
  • the transport roller 32 transports the sheet S from the pickup roller 31 toward the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the photosensitive drum 4 is rotatable about the axis A.
  • the photosensitive drum 4 has a cylindrical shape.
  • the photosensitive drum 4 extends along the axis A.
  • the charging device 5 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the charging device 5 is a charging roller.
  • the charging device 5 may be a scorotron type charging device.
  • the charging device 5 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the charging device 5 is a scorotron type charging device, the charging device 5 is located at a distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • Exposure device 6 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the exposure device 6 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 charged by the charging device 5. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the exposure apparatus 6 is a laser scan unit.
  • the exposure apparatus 6 may be an LED array.
  • the developing device 7 charges the toner and supplies it to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the developing device 7 has a toner accommodating portion 70 and a developing roller 71.
  • the toner accommodating unit 70 accommodates toner.
  • the toner contains toner particles and, if necessary, an external additive.
  • the toner particles contain a binder resin and, if necessary, a colorant, a pigment dispersant, a mold release agent, a magnetic material and a charge control agent.
  • the binder resin is the base of the toner particles.
  • the binding resin binds the components contained in the toner particles.
  • the colorant imparts the desired color to the toner particles.
  • the colorant is dispersed in the binder resin.
  • the pigment dispersant improves the dispersibility of the colorant.
  • the charge control agent imparts chargeability to the toner particles.
  • the chargeability may be either positive chargeability or negative chargeability.
  • the external additive adjusts the chargeability, fluidity, and storage stability of the toner particles.
  • the developing roller 71 supplies the toner in the toner accommodating portion 70 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the developing roller 71 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the developing roller 71 does not have to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the developing device 7 may be configured as one process unit together with the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging device 5.
  • the process unit may be mounted on the housing 2.
  • the developing device 7 may be a developing cartridge that can be attached to the drum unit having the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging device 5.
  • the drum unit may be mounted on the housing 2.
  • the developing device 7 may include a developing device including a developing roller 71 and a toner cartridge that can be attached to the developing device.
  • the toner cartridge includes a toner accommodating portion 70.
  • the developing device may be provided in the drum unit. The developer may be mounted on the drum unit.
  • the transfer device 8 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 4 to the sheet S. As a result, a toner image is formed on the sheet S.
  • the transfer device 8 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the transfer device 8 does not have to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the transfer device 8 is a transfer roller.
  • the transfer device 8 may be a transfer belt.
  • the fixing device 9 conveys the sheet S on which the toner image is formed from the photosensitive drum 4.
  • the fixing device 9 sprays the fixing liquid on the conveyed sheet S to fix the toner image formed on the sheet S.
  • the fixing device 9 includes a nozzle unit 90, a heater 96, and a metal plate 97.
  • the nozzle unit 90 applies the fixer to the toner image by spraying the ionized fixer toward the toner image on the sheet S by electrostatic spraying. After that, the sheet S passes between the heater 96 and the metal plate 97. At this time, the heater 96 and the metal plate 97 heat the sheet S. As a result, the toner image to which the fixer is applied is softened, then cured, and fixed on the sheet S.
  • the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the outside of the housing 2.
  • the fixing device 9 includes a nozzle unit 90, a second counter electrode 93, a precharge electrode 91, a first counter electrode 92, a relay electrode 95, and a frame 94. Be prepared.
  • the nozzle unit 90 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 4 with respect to the precharge electrode 91 in the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9. (See FIG. 1). That is, the precharge electrode 91 is located between the photosensitive drum 4 and the nozzle unit 90 in the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9.
  • the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9 is simply referred to as the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the nozzle unit 90 faces the second counter electrode 93 at a distance in the first direction.
  • the first direction intersects the transport direction of the sheet S. Specifically, the first direction is orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the nozzle unit 90 has a fixer storage unit 900, a nozzle electrode 901, and a plurality of nozzles 902.
  • the fixer storage unit 900 stores the fixer.
  • the fixer accommodating portion 900 extends in the second direction.
  • the second direction is the direction in which the axis A of the photosensitive drum 4 extends.
  • the second direction intersects both the first direction and the transport direction. Specifically, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the second direction is the width direction of the sheet S.
  • the fixer accommodating portion 900 is made of resin.
  • the fixer storage unit 900 includes a first wall 900A, a second wall 900B, a third wall 900C, and a fourth wall 900D.
  • the first wall 900A is located on the upstream side of the sheet S in the transport direction, away from the second wall 900B.
  • the first wall 900A extends in the first direction.
  • the first wall 900A has a first end and a second end in the first direction.
  • the first end of the first wall 900A is located away from the second end of the first wall 900A in the first direction.
  • the first end of the first wall 900A is located on the opposite side of the second counter electrode 93 with respect to the second end of the first wall 900A in the first direction.
  • the second wall 900B has the same structure as the first wall 900A and can be described in the same manner.
  • the third wall 900C connects the first end of the first wall 900A and the first end of the second wall 900B.
  • the fourth wall 900D is located between the first wall 900A and the second wall 900B.
  • the fourth wall 900D is located at a distance from the third wall 900C in the first direction.
  • the fourth wall 900D connects the portion between the first and second ends of the first wall 900A and the portion between the first and second ends of the second wall 900B.
  • the fixer is housed in a space defined by a first wall 900A, a second wall 900B, a third wall 900C, and a fourth wall 900D.
  • fixer accommodating portion 900 includes a plurality of holes 900E, two bosses 900F (see FIG. 3), and two screw fixing portions 900G (see FIG. 3).
  • the plurality of holes 900E are located on the fourth wall 900D. Two rows of a plurality of holes 900E arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the sheet S.
  • the hole 900E communicates with the internal space of the nozzle 902.
  • the two bosses 900F are arranged on the first wall 900A.
  • the two bosses 900F are located on opposite sides of the second wall 900B with respect to the first wall 900A.
  • the two bosses 900F are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (see FIG. 3).
  • Each of the two bosses 900F extends from the first wall 900A toward the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
  • the two screw fixing portions 900G are arranged on the first wall 900A.
  • the two screw fixing portions 900G are aligned with the two bosses 900F in the second direction.
  • the two screw fixing portions 900G are located at intervals from each other in the second direction (see FIG. 3).
  • Each of the two bosses 900F extends from the first wall 900A toward the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer container 900.
  • the first polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S. Specifically, the first polarity is positive.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 is located between the third wall 900C and the fourth wall 900D in the first direction.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 is located on the fourth wall 900D.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 is made of metal.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 extends in the second direction.
  • the fixer in the fixer container 900 comes into contact with the nozzle electrode 901.
  • the nozzle electrode 901 has a plurality of notches 901A.
  • Two rows of notches 901A arranged at intervals in the second direction are arranged at intervals in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • Each of the plurality of notches 901A communicates with the plurality of holes 900E.
  • the fixer to which the nozzle electrode 901 has applied the voltage passes through the notch 901A and enters the hole 900E.
  • the nozzle 902 sprays the fixer to which the voltage is applied by the nozzle electrode 901 on the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
  • the plurality of nozzles 902 are located on the opposite side of the third wall 900C with respect to the fourth wall 900D in the first direction.
  • the plurality of nozzles 902 are fixed to the fourth wall 900D.
  • the plurality of nozzles 902 are located between the nozzle electrode 901 and the second counter electrode 93 in the first direction.
  • Each of the plurality of nozzles 902 extends in the first direction from the fourth wall 900D.
  • Two rows of a plurality of nozzles 902 arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the sheet S.
  • the nozzle 902 discharges the fixer that has entered the nozzle 902 through the hole 900E.
  • the second counter electrode 93 faces the nozzle 902 at a distance in the first direction.
  • the second counter electrode 93 is located on the downstream side of the sheet S in the transport direction with respect to the first counter electrode 92.
  • the second counter electrode 93 extends in the second direction.
  • the second counter electrode 93 has a second terminal 930 (see FIG. 3). The second terminal 930 will be described later.
  • the precharge electrode 91 is located upstream of the nozzle 902 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the precharge electrode 91 is located on the opposite side of the nozzle 902 with respect to the first wall 900A in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
  • the second polarity is opposite to the first polarity.
  • the second polarity is opposite to the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S. Specifically, the second polarity is negative.
  • the precharge electrode 91 is non-contact with the sheet S. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the precharge electrode 91 from coming into contact with the unfixed toner image and disturbing the toner image.
  • the precharge electrode 91 is made of metal. As a result, the electrical resistance of the precharge electrode 91 can be reduced, and the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner
  • the precharge electrode 91 has a flat plate portion 912 and a sharp shape 911.
  • the flat plate portion 912 extends in the first direction and the second direction.
  • the flat plate portion 912 has an edge 912A and an edge 912B in the first direction.
  • the edge 912B is located away from the edge 912A in the first direction.
  • the edge 912B is located closer to the first counter electrode 92 than the edge 912A in the first direction.
  • the flat plate portion 912 has two boss holes 912C and two screw holes 912D.
  • the two boss holes 912C are located at intervals from each other in the second direction.
  • the boss hole 912C receives the boss 900F.
  • the boss hole 912C extends in the first direction.
  • the size of the boss hole 912C in the first direction is larger than the outer diameter of the boss 900F.
  • the size of the boss hole 912C in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the boss 900F.
  • the two screw holes 912D are aligned with the two boss holes 912C in the second direction.
  • the screw hole 912D communicates with the internal space of the screw fixing portion 900G.
  • the screw hole 912D extends in the first direction.
  • the size of the screw hole 912D in the first direction is larger than the inner diameter of the screw fixing portion 900G.
  • the size of the screw hole 912D in the second direction is the same as the inner diameter of the screw fixing portion 900G.
  • the screw fastens the precharge electrode 91 to the screw fixing portion 900G through the screw hole 912D. As a result, the precharge electrode 91 is supported by the nozzle unit 90.
  • the pointed shape 911 protrudes in the first direction from the edge 912B of the flat plate portion 912. Therefore, in a state where a voltage is applied to the precharge electrode 91, an electrostatic force can be concentrated on the tip of the sharp shape 911 of the precharge electrode 91, and an electric field can be efficiently formed. As a result, the voltage of the second polarity can be efficiently applied to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
  • the precharge electrode 91 has a plurality of pointed shapes 911 along the second direction. That is, the plurality of pointed shapes 911 are arranged in the second direction at the edge 912B of the flat plate portion 912.
  • the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently and uniformly apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed in the second direction.
  • Each of the plurality of pointed shapes 911 becomes thinner from the flat plate portion 912 toward the first counter electrode 92 in the first direction.
  • the pointed shape 911 is an isosceles triangular flat plate.
  • the sharp shape 911 may have a conical shape.
  • the first counter electrode 92 faces the precharge electrode 91 at a distance in the first direction. That is, the precharge electrode 91 and the nozzle 902 are located on one side of the fixing device 9 in the first direction, and the first counter electrode 92 is located on the other side of the fixing device 9 in the first direction (see FIG. 2). ..
  • the first counter electrode 92 is opposite to the precharge electrode 91 in the first direction in a state where the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed. Located on the side (see FIG. 2). As a result, the first counter electrode 92 can attract the sheet S to which the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage in the first direction.
  • the first counter electrode 92 is made of metal. Therefore, the electric resistance of the first counter electrode 92 can be reduced, and the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
  • the first counter electrode 92 is located upstream of the second counter electrode 93 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the first counter electrode 92 is located at an interval on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the spray region R of the fixer by the nozzle 902 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixer from adhering to the first counter electrode 92.
  • the first counter electrode 92 has an electrode body 923, a transport guide 920, a first support portion 924, a second support portion 925, and a first terminal 922 (see FIG. 5A).
  • the electrode body 923 faces a plurality of sharp shapes 911 at intervals in the first direction.
  • the electrode body 923 extends in the transport direction and the second direction of the sheet S.
  • the electrode body 923 has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the electrode body 923 has a first edge 923A and a second edge 923B in the second direction.
  • the first edge 923A is located away from the second edge 923B in the second direction.
  • the transport guide 920 guides the transport of the sheet S. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 can guide the transfer of the sheet S, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the transfer guide 920 is separately provided.
  • the transport guide 920 extends from the upstream end of the electrode body 923 in the transport direction of the sheet S to the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the transport guide 920 has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the downstream end of the transport guide 920 is continuous with the electrode body 923.
  • the upstream end of the transport guide 920 is a free end portion and is located away from the electrode body 923.
  • the upstream end of the transport guide 920 is located farther from the precharge electrode 91 than the downstream end of the transport guide 920 in the first direction.
  • the transport guide 920 has a plurality of recesses 920A.
  • the plurality of recesses 920A are located at upstream ends of the transport guide 920 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the plurality of recesses 920A are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.
  • Each of the plurality of recesses 920A is recessed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • each of the plurality of recesses 920A receives the rib 11 included in the image forming apparatus 1.
  • the rib 11 guides the transfer of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the rib 11 and the transport guide 920 can be arranged close to each other. As a result, the sheet S can be stably conveyed.
  • the rib 11 extends in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • a plurality of ribs 11 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the
  • the first support portion 924 is aligned with the electrode body 923 in the second direction.
  • the second support portion 925 is located on the opposite side of the first support portion 924 with respect to the electrode body 923 in the second direction.
  • the first support portion 924 has a first portion 924A and a second portion 924B.
  • the first portion 924A extends in the second direction and in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the first portion 924A has a first end and a second end in the second direction.
  • the first end of the first portion 924A is continuous with the first edge 923A.
  • the second end of the first portion 924A is located away from the first end of the first portion 924A in the second direction.
  • the second end of the first portion 924A is continuous with the first terminal 922.
  • the first portion 924A has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the second portion 924B extends in the first direction from the upstream end of the first portion 924A so as to be away from the precharge electrode 91. Further, the first support portion 924 has a first hole 924C and a second hole 924D. That is, the first counter electrode 92 has a first hole 924C and a second hole 924D.
  • the first hole 924C is located in the first portion 924A.
  • the first boss 940C which will be described later, is inserted into the first hole 924C.
  • the first hole 924C extends in the second direction.
  • the size of the first hole 924C in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the first boss 940C.
  • the dimensions of the first hole 924C in the transport direction of the sheet S are the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C.
  • the second hole 924D is located in the second part 924B.
  • the second boss 940D which will be described later, is inserted into the second hole 924D.
  • the second hole 924D extends in the second direction.
  • the size of the second hole 924D in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
  • the size of the second hole 924D in the first direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
  • the second support portion 925 has the same structure as the first support portion 924 except for the dimensions of the first hole 925C and the second hole 925D, and can be described in the same manner. Specifically, the second support portion 925 has a first portion 925A and a second portion 925B. The first portion 925A is continuous with the second edge 923B. Further, the second support portion 925 has a first hole 925C and a second hole 925D. The first boss 940C, which will be described later, is inserted into the first hole 925C. The size of the first hole 925C in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C.
  • the size of the first hole 925C in the transport direction of the sheet S is the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C.
  • the second boss 940D which will be described later, is inserted into the second hole 925D.
  • the size of the second hole 925D in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
  • the size of the second hole 925D in the first direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
  • the first terminal 922 is located on the opposite side of the electrode body 923 with respect to the first portion 924A in the second direction.
  • the first terminal 922 is located at intervals in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pointed shapes 911 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the efficient arrangement of the first terminal 922 can be ensured.
  • the first terminal 922 is continuous with the first portion 924A.
  • the first terminal 922 is connected to the ground. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 can surely secure the potential difference from the precharge electrode 91.
  • the precharge electrode 91 can stably apply a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
  • the first terminal 922 comes into contact with the relay electrode 95.
  • the relay electrode 95 electrically connects the first terminal 922 and the second terminal 930 of the second counter electrode 93. That is, the first terminal 922 is electrically connected to the second terminal 930.
  • the relay electrode 95 is electrically connected to the third terminal 10 included in the image forming apparatus 1.
  • the third terminal 10 is connected to the ground.
  • the first terminal 922 and the second terminal 930 are electrically connected to the third terminal 10 and are connected to the ground. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 and the second counter electrode 93 can have the same potential as the ground. As a result, the potential of the first counter electrode 92 and the potential of the second counter electrode 93 can be stabilized.
  • the frame 94 supports the nozzle unit 90, the second counter electrode 93, the first counter electrode 92, the heater 96, and the metal plate 97 (see FIG. 2).
  • the frame 94 has a holding portion 940. That is, the fixing device 9 includes a holding unit 940.
  • the holding portion 940 holds the first counter electrode 92.
  • the holding portion 940 is made of resin.
  • the holding portion 940 is located at the upstream end of the frame 94 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the holding portion 940 is located on the opposite side of the precharge electrode 91 with respect to the electrode body 923 in the first direction.
  • the holding portion 940 extends in the second direction.
  • the holding portion 940 has a first surface 940A and a second surface 940B.
  • the first surface 940A comes into contact with the electrode body 923.
  • the first surface 940A is an end surface of the holding portion 940 in the first direction, and is located on the precharge electrode 91 side in the first direction.
  • the first surface 940A extends in the transport direction and the second direction of the sheet S.
  • the second surface 940B is an upstream end surface of the holding portion 940 in the transport direction of the sheet S.
  • the second surface 940B extends in the first direction and the second direction.
  • the holding portion 940 has two first bosses 940C and two second bosses 940D.
  • the two first bosses 940C are located on the first surface 940A.
  • the two first bosses 940C are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.
  • Each of the two first bosses 940C extends in the first direction from the first surface 940A and has a cylindrical shape.
  • the two second bosses 940D are located on the second surface 940B.
  • the two second bosses 940D are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.
  • Each of the two second bosses 940D extends from the second surface 940B to the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
  • one of the first bosses 940C is inserted into the first hole 924C of the first support portion 924, and the other first boss 940C is the first hole of the second support portion 925. It is inserted into the 925C.
  • one second boss 940D is inserted into the second hole 924D of the first support portion 924, and the other second boss 940D is the second hole of the second support portion 925. It is inserted into the 925D.
  • the size of the first hole 924C in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the first boss 940C, and the size of the second hole 924D in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the second boss 940D. Therefore, even if the holding portion 940 is deformed due to a change in the temperature environment due to the difference between the linear expansion coefficient of the first counter electrode 92 and the linear expansion coefficient of the holding portion 940, the first hole 924C is the first boss 940C.
  • the second hole 924D can allow the movement of the second boss 940D as well as the movement of the second boss 940D. Therefore, the holding portion 940 can stably hold the first counter electrode 92.
  • the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed on the upstream side of the nozzle 902 in the transport direction of the sheet S. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner image is charged to the second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity.
  • the nozzle 902 sprays the fixing solution charged in the first polarity onto the toner image charged in the second polarity. Therefore, when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet S, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet S. As a result, the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet S.
  • the first counter electrode 92 is connected to the ground, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the first counter electrode 92 is applied with a voltage having the opposite polarity to that of the precharge electrode 91. You may.
  • the first polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the first polarity is opposite to the charging polarity of the toner image.
  • the second polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image.
  • Fixing device 90 Nozzle unit 900 Fixer container 901 Nozzle electrode 902 Nozzle 91 Precharge electrode 911 Pointed shape 92 First counter electrode 920 Conveyance guide 920A Recess 922 First terminal 93 Second counter electrode 930 2nd terminal 940 Holding part 940C 1st boss 10 3rd terminal 11 Rib

Abstract

Provided are a fixing device and an image forming device which can suppress a toner from floating from a sheet when a fixing liquid is sprayed onto the sheet and can stably fix a toner image on the sheet. This fixing device 9 comprises a nozzle unit 90 and a precharge electrode 91. The nozzle unit 90 has a fixing liquid container 900, a nozzle electrode 901, and a nozzle 902. The fixing liquid container 900 stores the fixing liquid. The nozzle electrode 901 applies the voltage of a first polarity to the fixing liquid in the fixing liquid container 900. The nozzle 902 sprays, onto a sheet S on which a toner image is formed, the fixing liquid to which the voltage is applied by the nozzle electrode 901. The precharge electrode 91 is located upstream of the nozzle 902 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage having a second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity, to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.

Description

定着装置および画像形成装置Fixing device and image forming device
　本発明は、定着装置および画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming device.
　従来、感光ドラムと、帯電器と、露光装置と、現像装置と、転写装置と、定着装置と、を備える画像形成装置が知られている。帯電器は、感光ドラムの周面を帯電させる。露光装置は、帯電された感光ドラムの周面を露光して、感光ドラムの周面に静電潜像を形成する。現像装置は、トナーを帯電させて感光ドラムの周面に供給し、静電潜像をトナー像として現像する。転写装置は、感光ドラムの周面に形成されたトナー像をシートに転写する。 Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure apparatus, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a fixing apparatus is known. The charger charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. The exposure apparatus exposes the peripheral surface of the charged photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing device charges the toner and supplies it to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image. The transfer device transfers the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum to the sheet.
　定着装置は、シートに定着液を噴霧して、トナー像をシートに定着させる。定着装置は、ノズル電極と、ノズルとを備える。ノズル電極は、電圧を定着液に印加する。ノズルは、トナー像が形成されたシートにノズル電極によって電圧が印加された定着液を噴霧する（下記特許文献１参照）。 The fixing device sprays the fixing solution on the sheet to fix the toner image on the sheet. The fixing device includes a nozzle electrode and a nozzle. The nozzle electrode applies a voltage to the fixer. The nozzle sprays a fixer to which a voltage is applied by a nozzle electrode onto a sheet on which a toner image is formed (see Patent Document 1 below).
特開２０１７－６８０９８号公報JP-A-2017-68098
　上記した特許文献１に記載の定着装置では、ノズルから噴霧された定着液は、帯電している。また、シートに形成されるトナー像は、帯電したトナーを含んでいる。 In the fixing device described in Patent Document 1 described above, the fixing solution sprayed from the nozzle is charged. Further, the toner image formed on the sheet contains charged toner.
　そのため、トナー像が、定着液と同じ極性に帯電したトナーを含んでいると、定着液がシートと接触したときに、定着液とトナーとの静電斥力により、トナーがシートから浮き上がる場合がある。 Therefore, if the toner image contains toner charged to the same polarity as the fixer, the toner may float from the sheet due to the electrostatic repulsive force between the fixer and the toner when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet. ..
　そこで、本開示の目的は、定着液をシートに噴霧したときに、トナーがシートから浮き上がることを抑制でき、トナー像をシートに安定して定着させることができる定着装置を提供することにある。 Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixing device capable of suppressing the toner from floating from the sheet when the fixing solution is sprayed on the sheet and stably fixing the toner image on the sheet.
　（１）本開示の定着装置は、搬送されるシートに定着液を噴霧して、シートに形成されたトナー像を定着させる。定着装置は、ノズルユニットと、プレチャージ電極と、を備える。 (1) The fixing device of the present disclosure sprays a fixing solution on a sheet to be conveyed to fix a toner image formed on the sheet. The fixing device includes a nozzle unit and a precharge electrode.
　ノズルユニットは、定着液収容部と、ノズル電極と、ノズルと、を有する。定着液収容部は、定着液を収容する。ノズル電極は、第１極性の電圧を定着液収容部内の定着液に印加する。ノズルは、トナー像が形成されたシートにノズル電極によって電圧が印加された定着液を噴霧する。 The nozzle unit has a fixer accommodating portion, a nozzle electrode, and a nozzle. The fixer accommodating unit stores the fixer. The nozzle electrode applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer container. The nozzle sprays a fixer to which a voltage is applied by a nozzle electrode onto a sheet on which a toner image is formed.
　プレチャージ電極は、ノズルに対してシートの搬送方向の上流側に位置する。プレチャージ電極は、第１極性と逆極性の第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートに印加する。 The precharge electrode is located upstream of the nozzle in the sheet transport direction. The precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed.
　このような構成によれば、ノズル電極は、第１極性の電圧を定着液収容部内の定着液に印加する。そのため、定着液は、第１極性に帯電する。 According to such a configuration, the nozzle electrode applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer accommodating portion. Therefore, the fixer is charged to the first polarity.
　また、プレチャージ電極は、ノズルに対してシートの搬送方向の上流側において、第１極性と逆極性の第２極性の電圧を、トナー像が形成されたシートに印加する。そのため、トナー像に含まれるトナーは、第１極性と逆極性の第２極性に帯電する。 Further, the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed on the upstream side of the sheet in the conveying direction with respect to the nozzle. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner image is charged to the second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity.
　そして、ノズルは、第２極性に帯電するトナー像に、第１極性に帯電する定着液を噴霧する。そのため、定着液がシートと接触したときに、トナーがシートから浮き上がることを抑制できる。その結果、トナー像をシートに安定して定着させることができる。 Then, the nozzle sprays the fixing solution charged in the first polarity onto the toner image charged in the second polarity. Therefore, when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet. As a result, the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet.
　（２）定着装置は、第１対向電極を、さらに備えてもよい。第１対向電極は、第１方向において、プレチャージ電極と間隔を空けて向かい合う。第１対向電極は、プレチャージ電極が第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートに印加している状態において、第１方向において、シートに対してプレチャージ電極の反対側に位置する。 (2) The fixing device may further include a first counter electrode. The first counter electrode faces the precharge electrode at a distance in the first direction. The first counter electrode is located on the opposite side of the precharge electrode with respect to the sheet in the first direction in a state where the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed.
　（３）プレチャージ電極およびノズルは、第１方向における定着装置の一方側に位置してもよい。第１対向電極は、第１方向における定着装置の他方側に位置してもよい。 (3) The precharge electrode and the nozzle may be located on one side of the fixing device in the first direction. The first counter electrode may be located on the other side of the fixing device in the first direction.
　（４）プレチャージ電極は、尖った形状を有してもよい。 (4) The precharge electrode may have a sharp shape.
　（５）プレチャージ電極は、第２方向に沿って、尖った形状を複数有してもよい。第２方向は、第１方向および搬送方向の両方向と交差する。 (5) The precharge electrode may have a plurality of sharp shapes along the second direction. The second direction intersects both the first direction and the transport direction.
　（６）第１対向電極は、グランドに接続される第１端子を有してもよい。 (6) The first counter electrode may have a first terminal connected to the ground.
　（７）第１端子は、複数の尖った形状に対して、第２方向に間隔を空けて位置してもよい。 (7) The first terminal may be positioned at intervals in the second direction with respect to a plurality of sharp shapes.
　（８）定着装置は、第２対向電極を、さらに備えてもよい。第２対向電極は、第１対向電極に対して搬送方向の下流側に位置する。第２対向電極は、第１方向において、ノズルと間隔を空けて向かい合う。第２対向電極は、グランドに接続される第２端子を有してもよい。第１端子は、第２端子と電気的に接続されてもよい。 (8) The fixing device may further include a second counter electrode. The second counter electrode is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first counter electrode. The second counter electrode faces the nozzle at intervals in the first direction. The second counter electrode may have a second terminal connected to the ground. The first terminal may be electrically connected to the second terminal.
　（９）第１対向電極は、ノズルによる定着液の噴霧領域に対して、搬送方向の上流側に間隔を空けて位置してもよい。 (9) The first counter electrode may be located at an interval on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the area where the fixer is sprayed by the nozzle.
　（１０）第１対向電極は、シートの搬送をガイドする搬送ガイドを有してもよい。 (10) The first counter electrode may have a transport guide that guides the transport of the sheet.
　（１１）定着装置は、第１対向電極を保持する保持部を、さらに備えてもよい。第１対向電極は、金属からなってもよい。保持部は、樹脂からなってもよい。 (11) The fixing device may further include a holding portion for holding the first counter electrode. The first counter electrode may be made of metal. The holding portion may be made of resin.
　（１２）保持部は、ボスを有してもよい。この場合、第１対向電極は、ボスが挿入される穴を有する。第２方向における穴の寸法は、第２方向におけるボスの寸法よりも大きくてもよい。 (12) The holding portion may have a boss. In this case, the first counter electrode has a hole into which the boss is inserted. The size of the hole in the second direction may be larger than the size of the boss in the second direction.
　（１３）第１対向電極は、金属からなってもよい。 (13) The first counter electrode may be made of metal.
　（１４）プレチャージ電極は、シートに対して非接触であってもよい。 (14) The precharge electrode may be non-contact with the sheet.
　（１５）プレチャージ電極は、金属からなってもよい。 (15) The precharge electrode may be made of metal.
　（１６）第１極性は、シートに形成されるトナー像の帯電極性と同じであってもよい。 (16) The first polarity may be the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet.
　（１７）本開示の画像形成装置は、感光ドラムと、上記（１）から（１６）のいずれか一項の定着装置とを備える。定着装置は、感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される。プレチャージ電極は、感光ドラムから定着装置に向かうシートの搬送方向において、感光ドラムとノズルユニットとの間に位置する。 (17) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum and a fixing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16) above. In the fixing device, a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum. The precharge electrode is located between the photosensitive drum and the nozzle unit in the sheet transport direction from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device.
　（１８）本開示の画像形成装置は、感光ドラムと、上記（８）の定着装置と、第３端子と、を備える。定着装置は、感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される。第３端子は、グランドに接続される。第２端子は、第３端子と電気的に接続される。 (18) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, the fixing apparatus of (8) above, and a third terminal. In the fixing device, a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum. The third terminal is connected to the ground. The second terminal is electrically connected to the third terminal.
　（１９）本開示の画像形成装置は、感光ドラムと、上記（１０）の定着装置と、リブと、を備える。定着装置は、感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される。リブは、感光ドラムから定着装置に向かうシートの搬送をガイドする。搬送ガイドは、リブを受け入れる凹部を有する。 (19) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, the fixing apparatus of (10) above, and ribs. In the fixing device, a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from a photosensitive drum. The ribs guide the transfer of the sheet from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device. The transport guide has a recess for receiving the rib.
　本開示の定着装置および画像形成装置によれば、定着液をシートに噴霧したときに、トナーがシートから浮き上がることを抑制でき、トナー像をシートに安定して定着させることができる。 According to the fixing device and the image forming device of the present disclosure, when the fixer is sprayed on the sheet, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet, and the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet.
図１は、画像形成装置の概略構成図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. 図２は、図１に示す定着装置の概略構成図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the fixing device shown in FIG. 図３は、図２に示す定着装置の斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixing device shown in FIG. 図４は、図３に示す搬送ガイドおよびリブの斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transport guide and rib shown in FIG. 図５Ａは、図３に示す第１支持部の拡大図である。図５Ｂは、図３に示す第２支持部の拡大図である。FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the first support portion shown in FIG. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the second support portion shown in FIG. 図６は、図３に示す定着装置の側面図である。FIG. 6 is a side view of the fixing device shown in FIG.
　１．画像形成装置の概略
　図１を参照して、画像形成装置の概略について説明する。 1. 1. Schematic of the image forming apparatus The outline of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
　画像形成装置１は、筐体２と、シート供給部３と、感光ドラム４と、帯電装置５と、露光装置６と、現像装置７と、転写装置８と、定着装置９とを備える。 The image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet supply unit 3, a photosensitive drum 4, a charging device 5, an exposure device 6, a developing device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9.
　１．１　筐体
　筐体２は、シート供給部３と、感光ドラム４と、帯電装置５と、露光装置６と、現像装置７と、転写装置８と、定着装置９とを収容する。 1.1 Housing The housing 2 houses the sheet supply unit 3, the photosensitive drum 4, the charging device 5, the exposure device 6, the developing device 7, the transfer device 8, and the fixing device 9.
　１．２　シート供給部
　シート供給部３は、感光ドラム４にシートＳを供給する。シート供給部３は、シートカセット３０と、ピックアップローラ３１と、搬送ローラ３２とを備える。シートカセット３０は、シートＳを収容する。シートＳは、例えば、印刷用紙である。ピックアップローラ３１は、シートカセット３０内のシートＳを搬送ローラ３２に向かって搬送する。搬送ローラ３２は、ピックアップローラ３１からのシートＳを感光ドラム４に向かって搬送する。 1.2 Sheet supply unit The sheet supply unit 3 supplies the sheet S to the photosensitive drum 4. The sheet supply unit 3 includes a sheet cassette 30, a pickup roller 31, and a transfer roller 32. The sheet cassette 30 accommodates the sheet S. Sheet S is, for example, printing paper. The pickup roller 31 conveys the sheet S in the sheet cassette 30 toward the transfer roller 32. The transport roller 32 transports the sheet S from the pickup roller 31 toward the photosensitive drum 4.
　１．３　感光ドラム
　感光ドラム４は、軸Ａについて回転可能である。感光ドラム４は、円筒形状を有する。感光ドラム４は、軸Ａに沿って延びる。 1.3 Photosensitive Drum The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatable about the axis A. The photosensitive drum 4 has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 4 extends along the axis A.
　１．４　帯電装置
　帯電装置５は、感光ドラム４の表面を帯電させる。帯電装置５は、具体的には、帯電ローラである。なお、帯電装置５は、スコロトロン型帯電器であってもよい。帯電装置５が帯電ローラである場合、帯電装置５は、感光ドラム４の表面に接触する。帯電装置５がスコロトロン型帯電装置である場合、帯電装置５は、感光ドラム４の表面に対して間隔を隔てて位置する。 1.4 Charging device The charging device 5 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the charging device 5 is a charging roller. The charging device 5 may be a scorotron type charging device. When the charging device 5 is a charging roller, the charging device 5 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. When the charging device 5 is a scorotron type charging device, the charging device 5 is located at a distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.
　１．５　露光装置
　露光装置６は、感光ドラム４の表面を露光する。詳しくは、露光装置６は、帯電装置５によって帯電された感光ドラム４の表面を露光する。これにより、感光ドラム４の表面に静電潜像が形成される。露光装置６は、具体的には、レーザースキャンユニットである。なお、露光装置６は、ＬＥＤアレイであってもよい。 1.5 Exposure device The exposure device 6 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the exposure device 6 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 charged by the charging device 5. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the exposure apparatus 6 is a laser scan unit. The exposure apparatus 6 may be an LED array.
　１．６　現像装置
　現像装置７は、トナーを帯電させて感光ドラム４の表面に供給する。これにより、静電潜像が現像され、感光ドラム４の表面にトナー像が形成される。現像装置７は、トナー収容部７０と、現像ローラ７１とを有する。 1.6 Developing device The developing device 7 charges the toner and supplies it to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The developing device 7 has a toner accommodating portion 70 and a developing roller 71.
　トナー収容部７０は、トナーを収容する。トナーは、トナー粒子と、必要により、外添剤とを含有する。トナー粒子は、結着樹脂と、必要により、着色剤、顔料分散剤、離型剤、磁性体および帯電制御剤を含有する。結着樹脂は、トナー粒子のベースである。結着樹脂は、トナー粒子に含まれる成分を結着する。着色剤は、トナー粒子に所望の色を付与する。着色剤は、結着樹脂中に分散する。顔料分散剤は、着色剤の分散性を向上させる。帯電制御剤は、トナー粒子に帯電性を付与する。帯電性は、正帯電性および負帯電性のいずれであってもよい。外添剤は、トナー粒子の帯電性、流動性、保存安定性を調整する。 The toner accommodating unit 70 accommodates toner. The toner contains toner particles and, if necessary, an external additive. The toner particles contain a binder resin and, if necessary, a colorant, a pigment dispersant, a mold release agent, a magnetic material and a charge control agent. The binder resin is the base of the toner particles. The binding resin binds the components contained in the toner particles. The colorant imparts the desired color to the toner particles. The colorant is dispersed in the binder resin. The pigment dispersant improves the dispersibility of the colorant. The charge control agent imparts chargeability to the toner particles. The chargeability may be either positive chargeability or negative chargeability. The external additive adjusts the chargeability, fluidity, and storage stability of the toner particles.
　現像ローラ７１は、トナー収容部７０内のトナーを感光ドラム４の表面に供給する。現像ローラ７１は、感光ドラム４と接触する。なお、現像ローラ７１は、感光ドラム４と接触しなくてもよい。 The developing roller 71 supplies the toner in the toner accommodating portion 70 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The developing roller 71 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. The developing roller 71 does not have to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.
　現像装置７は、感光ドラム４および帯電装置５とともに、１つのプロセスユニットとして構成されてもよい。プロセスユニットは、筐体２に対して装着可能であってもよい。 The developing device 7 may be configured as one process unit together with the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging device 5. The process unit may be mounted on the housing 2.
　また、現像装置７は、感光ドラム４および帯電装置５を有するドラムユニットに対して装着可能な現像カートリッジであってもよい。ドラムユニットは、筐体２に対して装着可能であってもよい。 Further, the developing device 7 may be a developing cartridge that can be attached to the drum unit having the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging device 5. The drum unit may be mounted on the housing 2.
　また、現像装置７は、現像ローラ７１を備える現像器と、現像器に対して装着可能なトナーカートリッジとを備えてもよい。この場合、トナーカートリッジは、トナー収容部７０を備える。また、現像器は、ドラムユニットに設けられてもよい。現像器は、ドラムユニットに対して装着可能であってもよい。 Further, the developing device 7 may include a developing device including a developing roller 71 and a toner cartridge that can be attached to the developing device. In this case, the toner cartridge includes a toner accommodating portion 70. Further, the developing device may be provided in the drum unit. The developer may be mounted on the drum unit.
　１．７　転写装置
　転写装置８は、トナー像を、感光ドラム４からシートＳに転写する。これにより、シートＳに、トナー像が、形成される。転写装置８は、感光ドラム４と接触する。なお、転写装置８は、感光ドラム４と接触しなくてもよい。転写装置８は、具体的には、転写ローラである。なお、転写装置８は、転写ベルトであってもよい。 1.7 Transfer device The transfer device 8 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 4 to the sheet S. As a result, a toner image is formed on the sheet S. The transfer device 8 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. The transfer device 8 does not have to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the transfer device 8 is a transfer roller. The transfer device 8 may be a transfer belt.
　１．８　定着装置
　定着装置９は、感光ドラム４からトナー像が形成されたシートＳが搬送される。定着装置９は、搬送されるシートＳに定着液を噴霧して、シートＳに形成されたトナー像を定着させる。詳しくは、定着装置９は、ノズルユニット９０と、ヒータ９６と、金属板９７とを備える。なお、ノズルユニット９０については、後で詳しく説明する。ノズルユニット９０は、イオン化された定着液を静電噴霧によりシートＳ上のトナー像に向けて噴霧することで、定着液をトナー像に付与する。その後、シートＳは、ヒータ９６と金属板９７との間を通る。このとき、ヒータ９６および金属板９７は、シートＳを加熱する。これによって、定着液が付与されたトナー像は、軟化した後、硬化して、シートＳに定着する。トナー像が定着したシートＳは、筐体２の外に排紙される。 1.8 Fixing device The fixing device 9 conveys the sheet S on which the toner image is formed from the photosensitive drum 4. The fixing device 9 sprays the fixing liquid on the conveyed sheet S to fix the toner image formed on the sheet S. Specifically, the fixing device 9 includes a nozzle unit 90, a heater 96, and a metal plate 97. The nozzle unit 90 will be described in detail later. The nozzle unit 90 applies the fixer to the toner image by spraying the ionized fixer toward the toner image on the sheet S by electrostatic spraying. After that, the sheet S passes between the heater 96 and the metal plate 97. At this time, the heater 96 and the metal plate 97 heat the sheet S. As a result, the toner image to which the fixer is applied is softened, then cured, and fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the outside of the housing 2.
　２．定着装置の詳細
　次に、図２から図６を参照して、定着装置９の詳細について説明する。 2. 2. Details of the Fixing Device Next, the details of the fixing device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.
　図２および図３に示すように、定着装置９は、ノズルユニット９０と、第２対向電極９３と、プレチャージ電極９１と、第１対向電極９２と、中継電極９５と、フレーム９４と、を備える。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixing device 9 includes a nozzle unit 90, a second counter electrode 93, a precharge electrode 91, a first counter electrode 92, a relay electrode 95, and a frame 94. Be prepared.
　２．１　ノズルユニット
　図２に示すように、ノズルユニット９０は、感光ドラム４から定着装置９に向かうシートＳの搬送方向において、プレチャージ電極９１に対して、感光ドラム４の反対側に位置する（図１参照）。つまり、プレチャージ電極９１は、感光ドラム４から定着装置９に向かうシートＳの搬送方向において、感光ドラム４とノズルユニット９０との間に位置する。なお、以下において、感光ドラム４から定着装置９に向かうシートＳの搬送方向を、単にシートＳの搬送方向とする。ノズルユニット９０は、第１方向において、第２対向電極９３と間隔を空けて向かい合う。第１方向は、シートＳの搬送方向と交差する。詳しくは、第１方向は、シートＳの搬送方向と直交する。 2.1 Nozzle unit As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle unit 90 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 4 with respect to the precharge electrode 91 in the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9. (See FIG. 1). That is, the precharge electrode 91 is located between the photosensitive drum 4 and the nozzle unit 90 in the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9. In the following, the transport direction of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9 is simply referred to as the transport direction of the sheet S. The nozzle unit 90 faces the second counter electrode 93 at a distance in the first direction. The first direction intersects the transport direction of the sheet S. Specifically, the first direction is orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet S.
　ノズルユニット９０は、定着液収容部９００と、ノズル電極９０１と、複数のノズル９０２と、を有する。 The nozzle unit 90 has a fixer storage unit 900, a nozzle electrode 901, and a plurality of nozzles 902.
　２．１．１　定着液収容部
　定着液収容部９００は、定着液を収容する。定着液収容部９００は、第２方向に延びる。第２方向は、感光ドラム４の軸Ａが延びる方向である。第２方向は、第１方向および搬送方向の両方向と交差する。詳しくは、第２方向は、第１方向およびシートＳの搬送方向と直交する。また、第２方向は、シートＳの幅方向である。定着液収容部９００は、樹脂からなる。 2.1.1 Fixer storage unit The fixer storage unit 900 stores the fixer. The fixer accommodating portion 900 extends in the second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the axis A of the photosensitive drum 4 extends. The second direction intersects both the first direction and the transport direction. Specifically, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the transport direction of the sheet S. The second direction is the width direction of the sheet S. The fixer accommodating portion 900 is made of resin.
　定着液収容部９００は、第１壁９００Ａと、第２壁９００Ｂと、第３壁９００Ｃと、第４壁９００Ｄとを備える。 The fixer storage unit 900 includes a first wall 900A, a second wall 900B, a third wall 900C, and a fourth wall 900D.
　第１壁９００Ａは、シートＳの搬送方向の上流側に、第２壁９００Ｂから離れて位置する。第１壁９００Ａは、第１方向に延びる。第１壁９００Ａは、第１方向において、第１端と、第２端とを有する。第１壁９００Ａの第１端は、第１方向において、第１壁９００Ａの第２端から離れて位置する。第１壁９００Ａの第１端は、第１方向において、第１壁９００Ａの第２端に対して、第２対向電極９３の反対側に位置する。第２壁９００Ｂは、第１壁９００Ａと同じ構造を有し、同様に説明できる。 The first wall 900A is located on the upstream side of the sheet S in the transport direction, away from the second wall 900B. The first wall 900A extends in the first direction. The first wall 900A has a first end and a second end in the first direction. The first end of the first wall 900A is located away from the second end of the first wall 900A in the first direction. The first end of the first wall 900A is located on the opposite side of the second counter electrode 93 with respect to the second end of the first wall 900A in the first direction. The second wall 900B has the same structure as the first wall 900A and can be described in the same manner.
　第３壁９００Ｃは、第１壁９００Ａの第１端と第２壁９００Ｂの第１端とを連結する。第４壁９００Ｄは、第１壁９００Ａと第２壁９００Ｂとの間に位置する。第４壁９００Ｄは、第１方向において、第３壁９００Ｃに対して間隔を空けて位置する。第４壁９００Ｄは、第１壁９００Ａにおける第１端および第２端の間の部分と、第２壁９００Ｂにおける第１端および第２端の間の部分とを連結する。定着液は、第１壁９００Ａと、第２壁９００Ｂと、第３壁９００Ｃと、第４壁９００Ｄとにより画定される空間に収容される。 The third wall 900C connects the first end of the first wall 900A and the first end of the second wall 900B. The fourth wall 900D is located between the first wall 900A and the second wall 900B. The fourth wall 900D is located at a distance from the third wall 900C in the first direction. The fourth wall 900D connects the portion between the first and second ends of the first wall 900A and the portion between the first and second ends of the second wall 900B. The fixer is housed in a space defined by a first wall 900A, a second wall 900B, a third wall 900C, and a fourth wall 900D.
　また、定着液収容部９００は、複数の穴９００Ｅと、２つのボス９００Ｆ（図３参照）と、２つのねじ固定部９００Ｇ（図３参照）とを備える。 Further, the fixer accommodating portion 900 includes a plurality of holes 900E, two bosses 900F (see FIG. 3), and two screw fixing portions 900G (see FIG. 3).
　複数の穴９００Ｅは、第４壁９００Ｄに位置する。第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて並ぶ複数の穴９００Ｅの列が、シートＳの搬送方向に間隔を空けて２つ配置される。穴９００Ｅは、ノズル９０２の内部空間と通じる。 The plurality of holes 900E are located on the fourth wall 900D. Two rows of a plurality of holes 900E arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The hole 900E communicates with the internal space of the nozzle 902.
　２つのボス９００Ｆは、第１壁９００Ａに配置される。２つのボス９００Ｆは、第１壁９００Ａに対して第２壁９００Ｂの反対側に位置する。２つのボス９００Ｆは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて位置する（図３参照）。２つのボス９００Ｆのそれぞれは、第１壁９００ＡからシートＳの搬送方向に上流側に向かって延び、円柱形状を有する。 The two bosses 900F are arranged on the first wall 900A. The two bosses 900F are located on opposite sides of the second wall 900B with respect to the first wall 900A. The two bosses 900F are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (see FIG. 3). Each of the two bosses 900F extends from the first wall 900A toward the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
　２つのねじ固定部９００Ｇは、第１壁９００Ａに配置される。２つのねじ固定部９００Ｇは、２つのボス９００Ｆと第２方向に並ぶ。２つのねじ固定部９００Ｇは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて位置する（図３参照）。２つのボス９００Ｆのそれぞれは、第１壁９００ＡからシートＳの搬送方向に上流側に向かって延び、円筒形状を有する。 The two screw fixing portions 900G are arranged on the first wall 900A. The two screw fixing portions 900G are aligned with the two bosses 900F in the second direction. The two screw fixing portions 900G are located at intervals from each other in the second direction (see FIG. 3). Each of the two bosses 900F extends from the first wall 900A toward the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
　２．１．２　ノズル電極
　ノズル電極９０１は、第１極性の電圧を定着液収容部９００内の定着液に印加する。第１極性は、シートＳに形成されるトナー像の帯電極性と同じである。詳しくは、第１極性は、正極性である。ノズル電極９０１は、第１方向において第３壁９００Ｃと第４壁９００Ｄとの間に位置する。ノズル電極９０１は、第４壁９００Ｄ上に位置する。ノズル電極９０１は、金属からなる。ノズル電極９０１は、第２方向に延びる。定着液収容部９００内の定着液は、ノズル電極９０１と接触する。ノズル電極９０１は、複数の切欠き９０１Ａを有する。第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて並ぶ複数の切欠き９０１Ａの列が、シートＳの搬送方向に間隔を空けて２つ配置される。複数の切欠き９０１Ａのそれぞれは、複数の穴９００Ｅと通じる。これにより、ノズル電極９０１が電圧を印加した定着液が、切欠き９０１Ａを通って、穴９００Ｅに入る。 2.1.2 Nozzle electrode The nozzle electrode 901 applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer container 900. The first polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S. Specifically, the first polarity is positive. The nozzle electrode 901 is located between the third wall 900C and the fourth wall 900D in the first direction. The nozzle electrode 901 is located on the fourth wall 900D. The nozzle electrode 901 is made of metal. The nozzle electrode 901 extends in the second direction. The fixer in the fixer container 900 comes into contact with the nozzle electrode 901. The nozzle electrode 901 has a plurality of notches 901A. Two rows of notches 901A arranged at intervals in the second direction are arranged at intervals in the transport direction of the sheet S. Each of the plurality of notches 901A communicates with the plurality of holes 900E. As a result, the fixer to which the nozzle electrode 901 has applied the voltage passes through the notch 901A and enters the hole 900E.
　２．１．３　ノズル
　ノズル９０２は、トナー像が形成されたシートＳにノズル電極９０１によって電圧が印加された定着液を噴霧する。複数のノズル９０２は、第１方向において、第４壁９００Ｄに対して第３壁９００Ｃの反対側に位置する。複数のノズル９０２は、第４壁９００Ｄに固定される。複数のノズル９０２は、第１方向において、ノズル電極９０１と第２対向電極９３との間に位置する。複数のノズル９０２のそれぞれは、第４壁９００Ｄから第１方向に延びる。第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて並ぶ複数のノズル９０２の列が、シートＳの搬送方向に間隔を空けて２つ配置される。ノズル９０２は、穴９００Ｅを通ってノズル９０２内に入った定着液を排出する。 2.1.3 Nozzle The nozzle 902 sprays the fixer to which the voltage is applied by the nozzle electrode 901 on the sheet S on which the toner image is formed. The plurality of nozzles 902 are located on the opposite side of the third wall 900C with respect to the fourth wall 900D in the first direction. The plurality of nozzles 902 are fixed to the fourth wall 900D. The plurality of nozzles 902 are located between the nozzle electrode 901 and the second counter electrode 93 in the first direction. Each of the plurality of nozzles 902 extends in the first direction from the fourth wall 900D. Two rows of a plurality of nozzles 902 arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The nozzle 902 discharges the fixer that has entered the nozzle 902 through the hole 900E.
　２．２　第２対向電極
　第２対向電極９３は、第１方向において、ノズル９０２と間隔を空けて向かい合う。第２対向電極９３は、第１対向電極９２に対して、シートＳの搬送方向の下流側に位置する。第２対向電極９３は、第２方向に延びる。第２対向電極９３は、第２端子９３０を有する（図３参照）。第２端子９３０については、後で説明する。 2.2 Second counter electrode The second counter electrode 93 faces the nozzle 902 at a distance in the first direction. The second counter electrode 93 is located on the downstream side of the sheet S in the transport direction with respect to the first counter electrode 92. The second counter electrode 93 extends in the second direction. The second counter electrode 93 has a second terminal 930 (see FIG. 3). The second terminal 930 will be described later.
　２．３　プレチャージ電極
　プレチャージ電極９１は、ノズル９０２に対してシートＳの搬送方向の上流側に位置する。プレチャージ電極９１は、シートＳの搬送方向において、第１壁９００Ａに対して、ノズル９０２の反対側に位置する。プレチャージ電極９１は、第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートＳに印加する。第２極性は、第１極性と逆極性である。第２極性は、シートＳに形成されるトナー像の帯電極性と逆である。詳しくは、第２極性は、負極性である。プレチャージ電極９１は、シートＳに対して非接触である。そのため、プレチャージ電極９１が、未定着のトナー像に接触して、トナー像が乱れることを抑制できる。また、プレチャージ電極９１は、金属からなる。これによって、プレチャージ電極９１の電気抵抗の低減を図ることができ、プレチャージ電極９１が、第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートＳにより効率よく印加することができる。 2.3 Precharge electrode The precharge electrode 91 is located upstream of the nozzle 902 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The precharge electrode 91 is located on the opposite side of the nozzle 902 with respect to the first wall 900A in the transport direction of the sheet S. The precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. The second polarity is opposite to the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S. Specifically, the second polarity is negative. The precharge electrode 91 is non-contact with the sheet S. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the precharge electrode 91 from coming into contact with the unfixed toner image and disturbing the toner image. The precharge electrode 91 is made of metal. As a result, the electrical resistance of the precharge electrode 91 can be reduced, and the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
　図３に示すように、プレチャージ電極９１は、平板部９１２と、尖った形状９１１とを有する。 As shown in FIG. 3, the precharge electrode 91 has a flat plate portion 912 and a sharp shape 911.
　平板部９１２は、第１方向および第２方向に延びる。平板部９１２は、第１方向において、エッジ９１２Ａおよびエッジ９１２Ｂを有する。エッジ９１２Ｂは、第１方向において、エッジ９１２Ａから離れて位置する。エッジ９１２Ｂは、第１方向において、エッジ９１２Ａよりも第１対向電極９２の近くに位置する。また、平板部９１２は、２つのボス穴９１２Ｃと、２つのねじ穴９１２Ｄとを有する。 The flat plate portion 912 extends in the first direction and the second direction. The flat plate portion 912 has an edge 912A and an edge 912B in the first direction. The edge 912B is located away from the edge 912A in the first direction. The edge 912B is located closer to the first counter electrode 92 than the edge 912A in the first direction. Further, the flat plate portion 912 has two boss holes 912C and two screw holes 912D.
　２つのボス穴９１２Ｃは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて位置する。ボス穴９１２Ｃは、ボス９００Ｆを受け入れる。ボス穴９１２Ｃは、第１方向に延びる。第１方向におけるボス穴９１２Ｃの寸法は、ボス９００Ｆの外径よりも大きい。第２方向におけるボス穴９１２Ｃの寸法は、ボス９００Ｆの外径と同じである。 The two boss holes 912C are located at intervals from each other in the second direction. The boss hole 912C receives the boss 900F. The boss hole 912C extends in the first direction. The size of the boss hole 912C in the first direction is larger than the outer diameter of the boss 900F. The size of the boss hole 912C in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the boss 900F.
　２つのねじ穴９１２Ｄは、２つのボス穴９１２Ｃと第２方向に並ぶ。ねじ穴９１２Ｄは、ねじ固定部９００Ｇの内部空間と通じる。ねじ穴９１２Ｄは、第１方向に延びる。第１方向におけるねじ穴９１２Ｄの寸法は、ねじ固定部９００Ｇの内径よりも大きい。第２方向におけるねじ穴９１２Ｄの寸法は、ねじ固定部９００Ｇの内径と同じである。図示しないが、ねじは、ねじ穴９１２Ｄを通して、プレチャージ電極９１をねじ固定部９００Ｇに締結する。これによって、プレチャージ電極９１は、ノズルユニット９０に支持される。 The two screw holes 912D are aligned with the two boss holes 912C in the second direction. The screw hole 912D communicates with the internal space of the screw fixing portion 900G. The screw hole 912D extends in the first direction. The size of the screw hole 912D in the first direction is larger than the inner diameter of the screw fixing portion 900G. The size of the screw hole 912D in the second direction is the same as the inner diameter of the screw fixing portion 900G. Although not shown, the screw fastens the precharge electrode 91 to the screw fixing portion 900G through the screw hole 912D. As a result, the precharge electrode 91 is supported by the nozzle unit 90.
　尖った形状９１１は、平板部９１２のエッジ９１２Ｂから第１方向に突出する。そのため、プレチャージ電極９１に電圧が印加された状態において、プレチャージ電極９１の尖った形状９１１の先端に、静電気力を集中させることができ、電場を効率的に形成することができる。その結果、第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートＳに効率的に印加することができる。詳しくは、プレチャージ電極９１は、第２方向に沿って、尖った形状９１１を複数有する。つまり、複数の尖った形状９１１は、平板部９１２のエッジ９１２Ｂにおいて、第２方向に並んでいる。そのため、プレチャージ電極９１は、第２極性の電圧を、トナー像が形成されたシートＳに対して、第２方向に効率的かつ均一に印加することができる。複数の尖った形状９１１のそれぞれは、第１方向において、平板部９１２から第１対向電極９２に向かうにつれて細くなる。具体的には、尖った形状９１１は、二等辺三角形の平板である。なお、尖った形状９１１は、円錐形状であってもよい。 The pointed shape 911 protrudes in the first direction from the edge 912B of the flat plate portion 912. Therefore, in a state where a voltage is applied to the precharge electrode 91, an electrostatic force can be concentrated on the tip of the sharp shape 911 of the precharge electrode 91, and an electric field can be efficiently formed. As a result, the voltage of the second polarity can be efficiently applied to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed. Specifically, the precharge electrode 91 has a plurality of pointed shapes 911 along the second direction. That is, the plurality of pointed shapes 911 are arranged in the second direction at the edge 912B of the flat plate portion 912. Therefore, the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently and uniformly apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed in the second direction. Each of the plurality of pointed shapes 911 becomes thinner from the flat plate portion 912 toward the first counter electrode 92 in the first direction. Specifically, the pointed shape 911 is an isosceles triangular flat plate. The sharp shape 911 may have a conical shape.
　２．４　第１対向電極
　第１対向電極９２は、第１方向において、プレチャージ電極９１と間隔を空けて向かい合う。つまり、プレチャージ電極９１およびノズル９０２は、第１方向における定着装置９の一方側に位置し、第１対向電極９２は、第１方向における定着装置９の他方側に位置する（図２参照）。第１対向電極９２は、プレチャージ電極９１が第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートＳに印加している状態において、第１方向において、シートＳに対してプレチャージ電極９１の反対側に位置する（図２参照）。これによって、第１対向電極９２は、プレチャージ電極９１が電圧を印加するシートＳを、第１方向において引き寄せることができる。そのため、シートＳがプレチャージ電極９１およびノズル９０２と接触することを抑制でき、シートＳを安定して搬送することができる。第１対向電極９２は、金属からなる。そのため、第１対向電極９２の電気抵抗の低減を図ることができ、プレチャージ電極９１が、第２極性の電圧をトナー像が形成されたシートＳに効率よく印加することができる。 2.4 First counter electrode The first counter electrode 92 faces the precharge electrode 91 at a distance in the first direction. That is, the precharge electrode 91 and the nozzle 902 are located on one side of the fixing device 9 in the first direction, and the first counter electrode 92 is located on the other side of the fixing device 9 in the first direction (see FIG. 2). .. The first counter electrode 92 is opposite to the precharge electrode 91 in the first direction in a state where the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed. Located on the side (see FIG. 2). As a result, the first counter electrode 92 can attract the sheet S to which the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from coming into contact with the precharge electrode 91 and the nozzle 902, and the sheet S can be stably conveyed. The first counter electrode 92 is made of metal. Therefore, the electric resistance of the first counter electrode 92 can be reduced, and the precharge electrode 91 can efficiently apply the voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
　また、第１対向電極９２は、シートＳの搬送方向において、第２対向電極９３に対して上流側に位置する。第１対向電極９２は、ノズル９０２による定着液の噴霧領域Ｒに対して、搬送方向の上流側に間隔を空けて位置する（図２参照）。そのため、第１対向電極９２に定着液が付着することを抑制できる。 Further, the first counter electrode 92 is located upstream of the second counter electrode 93 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The first counter electrode 92 is located at an interval on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the spray region R of the fixer by the nozzle 902 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixer from adhering to the first counter electrode 92.
　第１対向電極９２は、電極本体９２３と、搬送ガイド９２０と、第１支持部９２４と、第２支持部９２５と、第１端子９２２（図５Ａ参照）と、を有する。 The first counter electrode 92 has an electrode body 923, a transport guide 920, a first support portion 924, a second support portion 925, and a first terminal 922 (see FIG. 5A).
　電極本体９２３は、第１方向において、複数の尖った形状９１１と間隔を空けて向かい合う。電極本体９２３は、シートＳの搬送方向および第２方向に延びる。電極本体９２３は、シートＳの搬送方向において、上流端および下流端を有する。また、電極本体９２３は、第２方向において、第１エッジ９２３Ａおよび第２エッジ９２３Ｂを有する。第１エッジ９２３Ａは、第２方向において、第２エッジ９２３Ｂから離れて位置する。 The electrode body 923 faces a plurality of sharp shapes 911 at intervals in the first direction. The electrode body 923 extends in the transport direction and the second direction of the sheet S. The electrode body 923 has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S. Further, the electrode body 923 has a first edge 923A and a second edge 923B in the second direction. The first edge 923A is located away from the second edge 923B in the second direction.
　搬送ガイド９２０は、シートＳの搬送をガイドする。そのため、第１対向電極９２がシートＳの搬送をガイドでき、搬送ガイド９２０を別途設ける場合と比較して、部品点数の低減を図ることができる。搬送ガイド９２０は、シートＳの搬送方向における電極本体９２３の上流端から、シートＳの搬送方向の上流側に延びる。搬送ガイド９２０は、シートＳの搬送方向において、上流端と下流端とを有する。搬送ガイド９２０の下流端は、電極本体９２３と連続する。搬送ガイド９２０の上流端は、遊端部であって、電極本体９２３から離れて位置する。搬送ガイド９２０の上流端は、第１方向において、搬送ガイド９２０の下流端よりもプレチャージ電極９１から離れて位置する。 The transport guide 920 guides the transport of the sheet S. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 can guide the transfer of the sheet S, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the transfer guide 920 is separately provided. The transport guide 920 extends from the upstream end of the electrode body 923 in the transport direction of the sheet S to the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S. The transport guide 920 has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S. The downstream end of the transport guide 920 is continuous with the electrode body 923. The upstream end of the transport guide 920 is a free end portion and is located away from the electrode body 923. The upstream end of the transport guide 920 is located farther from the precharge electrode 91 than the downstream end of the transport guide 920 in the first direction.
　搬送ガイド９２０は、複数の凹部９２０Ａを有する。複数の凹部９２０Ａは、シートＳの搬送方向における搬送ガイド９２０の上流端に位置する。複数の凹部９２０Ａは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて配置される。複数の凹部９２０Ａのそれぞれは、シートＳの搬送方向の上流側から下流側に向かって凹む。図４に示すように、複数の凹部９２０Ａのそれぞれは、画像形成装置１が備えるリブ１１を受け入れる。リブ１１は、感光ドラム４から定着装置９に向かうシートＳの搬送をガイドする（図１参照）。そのため、リブ１１と搬送ガイド９２０とを近接して配置することができる。その結果、シートＳを安定して搬送することができる。リブ１１は、シートＳの搬送方向に延びる。リブ１１は、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて複数配置される。 The transport guide 920 has a plurality of recesses 920A. The plurality of recesses 920A are located at upstream ends of the transport guide 920 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The plurality of recesses 920A are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Each of the plurality of recesses 920A is recessed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of recesses 920A receives the rib 11 included in the image forming apparatus 1. The rib 11 guides the transfer of the sheet S from the photosensitive drum 4 to the fixing device 9 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the rib 11 and the transport guide 920 can be arranged close to each other. As a result, the sheet S can be stably conveyed. The rib 11 extends in the transport direction of the sheet S. A plurality of ribs 11 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.
　図５Ａおよび図５Ｂに示すように、第１支持部９２４は、第２方向において、電極本体９２３と並ぶ。第２支持部９２５は、第２方向において、電極本体９２３に対して第１支持部９２４の反対側に位置する。 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first support portion 924 is aligned with the electrode body 923 in the second direction. The second support portion 925 is located on the opposite side of the first support portion 924 with respect to the electrode body 923 in the second direction.
　第１支持部９２４は、第１部分９２４Ａと、第２部分９２４Ｂとを有する。第１部分９２４Ａは、第２方向およびシートＳの搬送方向に延びる。第１部分９２４Ａは、第２方向において、第１端と第２端とを有する。第１部分９２４Ａの第１端は、第１エッジ９２３Ａと連続する。第１部分９２４Ａの第２端は、第２方向において、第１部分９２４Ａの第１端から離れて位置する。第１部分９２４Ａの第２端は、第１端子９２２と連続する。第１部分９２４Ａは、シートＳの搬送方向において、上流端と下流端とを有する。第２部分９２４Ｂは、第１部分９２４Ａの上流端から、プレチャージ電極９１から離れるように第１方向に延びる。また、第１支持部９２４は、第１穴９２４Ｃと、第２穴９２４Ｄとを有する。つまり、第１対向電極９２は、第１穴９２４Ｃおよび第２穴９２４Ｄを有する。 The first support portion 924 has a first portion 924A and a second portion 924B. The first portion 924A extends in the second direction and in the transport direction of the sheet S. The first portion 924A has a first end and a second end in the second direction. The first end of the first portion 924A is continuous with the first edge 923A. The second end of the first portion 924A is located away from the first end of the first portion 924A in the second direction. The second end of the first portion 924A is continuous with the first terminal 922. The first portion 924A has an upstream end and a downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet S. The second portion 924B extends in the first direction from the upstream end of the first portion 924A so as to be away from the precharge electrode 91. Further, the first support portion 924 has a first hole 924C and a second hole 924D. That is, the first counter electrode 92 has a first hole 924C and a second hole 924D.
　第１穴９２４Ｃは、第１部分９２４Ａに位置する。第１穴９２４Ｃは、後述する第１ボス９４０Ｃが挿入される。第１穴９２４Ｃは、第２方向に延びる。第２方向における第１穴９２４Ｃの寸法は、第１ボス９４０Ｃの外径よりも大きい。シートＳの搬送方向における第１穴９２４Ｃの寸法は、第１ボス９４０Ｃの外径と同じである。 The first hole 924C is located in the first portion 924A. The first boss 940C, which will be described later, is inserted into the first hole 924C. The first hole 924C extends in the second direction. The size of the first hole 924C in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the first boss 940C. The dimensions of the first hole 924C in the transport direction of the sheet S are the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C.
　第２穴９２４Ｄは、第２部分９２４Ｂに位置する。第２穴９２４Ｄは、後述する第２ボス９４０Ｄが挿入される。第２穴９２４Ｄは、第２方向に延びる。第２方向における第２穴９２４Ｄの寸法は、第２ボス９４０Ｄの外径よりも大きい。第１方向における第２穴９２４Ｄの寸法は、第２ボス９４０Ｄの外径と同じである。 The second hole 924D is located in the second part 924B. The second boss 940D, which will be described later, is inserted into the second hole 924D. The second hole 924D extends in the second direction. The size of the second hole 924D in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the second boss 940D. The size of the second hole 924D in the first direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
　第２支持部９２５は、第１穴９２５Ｃおよび第２穴９２５Ｄの寸法を除いて、第１支持部９２４と同じ構造を有し、同様に説明できる。具体的には、第２支持部９２５は、第１部分９２５Ａと、第２部分９２５Ｂとを有する。第１部分９２５Ａは、第２エッジ９２３Ｂと連続する。また、第２支持部９２５は、第１穴９２５Ｃと、第２穴９２５Ｄとを有する。第１穴９２５Ｃは、後述する第１ボス９４０Ｃが挿入される。第２方向における第１穴９２５Ｃの寸法は、第１ボス９４０Ｃの外径と同じである。シートＳの搬送方向における第１穴９２５Ｃの寸法は、第１ボス９４０Ｃの外径と同じである。第２穴９２５Ｄは、後述する第２ボス９４０Ｄが挿入される。第２方向における第２穴９２５Ｄの寸法は、第２ボス９４０Ｄの外径と同じである。第１方向における第２穴９２５Ｄの寸法は、第２ボス９４０Ｄの外径と同じである。 The second support portion 925 has the same structure as the first support portion 924 except for the dimensions of the first hole 925C and the second hole 925D, and can be described in the same manner. Specifically, the second support portion 925 has a first portion 925A and a second portion 925B. The first portion 925A is continuous with the second edge 923B. Further, the second support portion 925 has a first hole 925C and a second hole 925D. The first boss 940C, which will be described later, is inserted into the first hole 925C. The size of the first hole 925C in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C. The size of the first hole 925C in the transport direction of the sheet S is the same as the outer diameter of the first boss 940C. The second boss 940D, which will be described later, is inserted into the second hole 925D. The size of the second hole 925D in the second direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D. The size of the second hole 925D in the first direction is the same as the outer diameter of the second boss 940D.
　図５Ａに示すように、第１端子９２２は、第２方向において、第１部分９２４Ａに対して電極本体９２３の反対側に位置する。第１端子９２２は、複数の尖った形状９１１に対して、第２方向に間隔を空けて位置する（図３参照）。そのため、第１端子９２２の効率的な配置を確保することができる。第１端子９２２は、第１部分９２４Ａと連続する。第１端子９２２は、グランドに接続される。そのため、第１対向電極９２は、プレチャージ電極９１との電位差を確実に確保することができる。その結果、プレチャージ電極９１は、トナー像が形成されたシートＳに、第２極性の電圧を安定して印加することができる。 As shown in FIG. 5A, the first terminal 922 is located on the opposite side of the electrode body 923 with respect to the first portion 924A in the second direction. The first terminal 922 is located at intervals in the second direction with respect to the plurality of pointed shapes 911 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the efficient arrangement of the first terminal 922 can be ensured. The first terminal 922 is continuous with the first portion 924A. The first terminal 922 is connected to the ground. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 can surely secure the potential difference from the precharge electrode 91. As a result, the precharge electrode 91 can stably apply a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed.
　２．５　中継電極
　詳しくは、第１端子９２２は、中継電極９５と接触する。中継電極９５は、図６に示すように、第１端子９２２と、第２対向電極９３の第２端子９３０とを電気的に接続する。つまり、第１端子９２２は、第２端子９３０と電気的に接続される。そして、中継電極９５は、画像形成装置１が備える第３端子１０と電気的に接続される。第３端子１０は、グランドに接続される。これによって、第１端子９２２および第２端子９３０は、第３端子１０と電気的に接続され、グランドに接続される。そのため、第１対向電極９２および第２対向電極９３を、グランドと同電位にすることができる。その結果、第１対向電極９２の電位および第２対向電極９３の電位を安定させることができる。 2.5 Relay electrode Specifically, the first terminal 922 comes into contact with the relay electrode 95. As shown in FIG. 6, the relay electrode 95 electrically connects the first terminal 922 and the second terminal 930 of the second counter electrode 93. That is, the first terminal 922 is electrically connected to the second terminal 930. Then, the relay electrode 95 is electrically connected to the third terminal 10 included in the image forming apparatus 1. The third terminal 10 is connected to the ground. As a result, the first terminal 922 and the second terminal 930 are electrically connected to the third terminal 10 and are connected to the ground. Therefore, the first counter electrode 92 and the second counter electrode 93 can have the same potential as the ground. As a result, the potential of the first counter electrode 92 and the potential of the second counter electrode 93 can be stabilized.
　２．６　フレーム
　フレーム９４は、ノズルユニット９０と、第２対向電極９３と、第１対向電極９２と、ヒータ９６と、金属板９７とを支持する（図２参照）。フレーム９４は、保持部９４０を有する。つまり、定着装置９は、保持部９４０を備える。保持部９４０は、第１対向電極９２を保持する。保持部９４０は、樹脂からなる。 2.6 Frame The frame 94 supports the nozzle unit 90, the second counter electrode 93, the first counter electrode 92, the heater 96, and the metal plate 97 (see FIG. 2). The frame 94 has a holding portion 940. That is, the fixing device 9 includes a holding unit 940. The holding portion 940 holds the first counter electrode 92. The holding portion 940 is made of resin.
　図５Ａおよび図５Ｂに示すように、保持部９４０は、シートＳの搬送方向において、フレーム９４の上流端に位置する。保持部９４０は、第１方向において、電極本体９２３に対して、プレチャージ電極９１の反対側に位置する。保持部９４０は、第２方向に延びる。保持部９４０は、第１面９４０Ａと、第２面９４０Ｂとを有する。第１面９４０Ａは、電極本体９２３と接触する。第１面９４０Ａは、保持部９４０の第１方向の端面であって、第１方向においてプレチャージ電極９１側に位置する。第１面９４０Ａは、シートＳの搬送方向および第２方向に延びる。第２面９４０Ｂは、シートＳの搬送方向における保持部９４０の上流側端面である。第２面９４０Ｂは、第１方向および第２方向に延びる。 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the holding portion 940 is located at the upstream end of the frame 94 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The holding portion 940 is located on the opposite side of the precharge electrode 91 with respect to the electrode body 923 in the first direction. The holding portion 940 extends in the second direction. The holding portion 940 has a first surface 940A and a second surface 940B. The first surface 940A comes into contact with the electrode body 923. The first surface 940A is an end surface of the holding portion 940 in the first direction, and is located on the precharge electrode 91 side in the first direction. The first surface 940A extends in the transport direction and the second direction of the sheet S. The second surface 940B is an upstream end surface of the holding portion 940 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The second surface 940B extends in the first direction and the second direction.
　また、保持部９４０は、２つの第１ボス９４０Ｃと、２つの第２ボス９４０Ｄとを有する。２つの第１ボス９４０Ｃは、第１面９４０Ａに位置する。２つの第１ボス９４０Ｃは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて位置する。２つの第１ボス９４０Ｃのそれぞれは、第１面９４０Ａから第１方向に延び、円柱形状を有する。２つの第２ボス９４０Ｄは、第２面９４０Ｂに位置する。２つの第２ボス９４０Ｄは、第２方向に互いに間隔を空けて位置する。２つの第２ボス９４０Ｄのそれぞれは、第２面９４０Ｂから、シートＳの搬送方向の上流側に延び、円柱形状を有する。 Further, the holding portion 940 has two first bosses 940C and two second bosses 940D. The two first bosses 940C are located on the first surface 940A. The two first bosses 940C are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Each of the two first bosses 940C extends in the first direction from the first surface 940A and has a cylindrical shape. The two second bosses 940D are located on the second surface 940B. The two second bosses 940D are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Each of the two second bosses 940D extends from the second surface 940B to the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S and has a cylindrical shape.
　そして、２つの第１ボス９４０Ｃのうち、一方の第１ボス９４０Ｃは、第１支持部９２４の第１穴９２４Ｃに挿入され、他方の第１ボス９４０Ｃは、第２支持部９２５の第１穴９２５Ｃに挿入される。また、２つの第２ボス９４０Ｄのうち、一方の第２ボス９４０Ｄは、第１支持部９２４の第２穴９２４Ｄに挿入され、他方の第２ボス９４０Ｄは、第２支持部９２５の第２穴９２５Ｄに挿入される。第２方向における第１穴９２４Ｃの寸法は、第１ボス９４０Ｃの外径よりも大きく、第２方向における第２穴９２４Ｄの寸法は、第２ボス９４０Ｄの外径よりも大きい。そのため、第１対向電極９２の線膨張率と保持部９４０の線膨張率との差に起因して、温度環境の変化により保持部９４０が変形しても、第１穴９２４Ｃが第１ボス９４０Ｃの移動を許容することができるとともに、第２穴９２４Ｄが第２ボス９４０Ｄの移動を許容することができる。そのため、保持部９４０が、第１対向電極９２を安定して保持することができる。 Then, of the two first bosses 940C, one of the first bosses 940C is inserted into the first hole 924C of the first support portion 924, and the other first boss 940C is the first hole of the second support portion 925. It is inserted into the 925C. Further, of the two second bosses 940D, one second boss 940D is inserted into the second hole 924D of the first support portion 924, and the other second boss 940D is the second hole of the second support portion 925. It is inserted into the 925D. The size of the first hole 924C in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the first boss 940C, and the size of the second hole 924D in the second direction is larger than the outer diameter of the second boss 940D. Therefore, even if the holding portion 940 is deformed due to a change in the temperature environment due to the difference between the linear expansion coefficient of the first counter electrode 92 and the linear expansion coefficient of the holding portion 940, the first hole 924C is the first boss 940C. The second hole 924D can allow the movement of the second boss 940D as well as the movement of the second boss 940D. Therefore, the holding portion 940 can stably hold the first counter electrode 92.
　３．作用効果
　図２に示すように、定着装置９では、ノズル電極９０１は、第１極性の電圧を定着液収容部９００内の定着液に印加する。そのため、定着液は、第１極性に帯電する。 3. 3. Action and effect As shown in FIG. 2, in the fixing device 9, the nozzle electrode 901 applies a voltage of the first polarity to the fixing solution in the fixing solution accommodating portion 900. Therefore, the fixer is charged to the first polarity.
　そして、プレチャージ電極９１は、シートＳの搬送方向において、ノズル９０２の上流側で、第１極性と逆極性の第２極性の電圧を、トナー像が形成されたシートＳに印加する。そのため、トナー像に含まれるトナーは、第１極性と逆極性の第２極性に帯電する。 Then, the precharge electrode 91 applies a voltage of the second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed on the upstream side of the nozzle 902 in the transport direction of the sheet S. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner image is charged to the second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity.
　そして、ノズル９０２は、第２極性に帯電するトナー像に、第１極性に帯電する定着液を噴霧する。そのため、定着液がシートＳと接触したときに、トナーがシートＳから浮き上がることを抑制できる。その結果、トナー像をシートＳに安定して定着させることができる。 Then, the nozzle 902 sprays the fixing solution charged in the first polarity onto the toner image charged in the second polarity. Therefore, when the fixer comes into contact with the sheet S, it is possible to prevent the toner from floating from the sheet S. As a result, the toner image can be stably fixed on the sheet S.
　４．変形例
　上記した実施形態では、第１対向電極９２がグランドに接続されているが、本発明は、これに制限されない、第１対向電極９２は、プレチャージ電極９１と逆極性の電圧が印加されてもよい。 4. Modification Example In the above-described embodiment, the first counter electrode 92 is connected to the ground, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first counter electrode 92 is applied with a voltage having the opposite polarity to that of the precharge electrode 91. You may.
　上記した実施形態では、第１極性は、シートＳに形成されるトナー像の帯電極性と同じであるが、本発明は、これに制限されない、第１極性は、トナー像の帯電極性と逆であってもよい。この場合、第２極性は、トナー像の帯電極性と同じである。 In the above-described embodiment, the first polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet S, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first polarity is opposite to the charging polarity of the toner image. There may be. In this case, the second polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image.
　これら変形例によっても、上記した実施形態と同様の作用効果を奏することができる。 Even with these modified examples, the same action and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
　１　　　　画像形成装置
　４　　　　感光ドラム
　９　　　　定着装置
　９０　　　ノズルユニット
　９００　　定着液収容部
　９０１　　ノズル電極
　９０２　　ノズル
　９１　　　プレチャージ電極
　９１１　　尖った形状
　９２　　　第１対向電極
　９２０　　搬送ガイド
　９２０Ａ　凹部
　９２２　　第１端子
　９３　　　第２対向電極
　９３０　　第２端子
　９４０　　保持部
　９４０Ｃ　第１ボス
　１０　　　第３端子
　１１　　　リブ 1 Image forming device 4 Photosensitive drum 9 Fixing device 90 Nozzle unit 900 Fixer container 901 Nozzle electrode 902 Nozzle 91 Precharge electrode 911 Pointed shape 92 First counter electrode 920 Conveyance guide 920A Recess 922 First terminal 93 Second counter electrode 930 2nd terminal 940 Holding part 940C 1st boss 10 3rd terminal 11 Rib

Claims (19)

  1. 　搬送されるシートに定着液を噴霧して、前記シートに形成されたトナー像を定着させる定着装置であって、
    　前記定着液を収容する定着液収容部と、第１極性の電圧を前記定着液収容部内の定着液に印加するノズル電極と、前記トナー像が形成された前記シートに前記ノズル電極によって電圧が印加された定着液を噴霧するノズルと、を有するノズルユニットと、
    　前記ノズルに対して前記シートの搬送方向の上流側に位置し、前記第１極性と逆極性の第２極性の電圧を前記トナー像が形成された前記シートに印加するプレチャージ電極と、を備えることを特徴とする、定着装置。     A fixing device that sprays a fixing solution onto a sheet to be conveyed to fix a toner image formed on the sheet.
    A voltage is applied by the nozzle electrode to the fixer accommodating portion for accommodating the fixer, a nozzle electrode for applying a voltage of the first polarity to the fixer in the fixer accommodating portion, and the sheet on which the toner image is formed. A nozzle unit having a nozzle for spraying the fixed fixer,
    A precharge electrode located upstream of the nozzle in the transport direction of the sheet and applying a voltage of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed is provided. A fixing device characterized by the fact that.
  2. 　第１方向において、前記プレチャージ電極と間隔を空けて向かい合う第１対向電極を、さらに備え、
    　前記第１対向電極は、前記プレチャージ電極が前記第２極性の電圧を前記トナー像が形成された前記シートに印加している状態において、前記第１方向において、前記シートに対して前記プレチャージ電極の反対側に位置することを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の定着装置。     Further, a first counter electrode that faces the precharge electrode at a distance in the first direction is provided.
    The first counter electrode is precharged with respect to the sheet in the first direction in a state where the precharge electrode applies a voltage of the second polarity to the sheet on which the toner image is formed. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device is located on the opposite side of the electrode.
  3. 　前記プレチャージ電極および前記ノズルは、前記第１方向における前記定着装置の一方側に位置し、
    　前記第１対向電極は、前記第１方向における前記定着装置の他方側に位置することを特徴とする、請求項２に記載の定着装置。     The precharge electrode and the nozzle are located on one side of the fixing device in the first direction.
    The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the first counter electrode is located on the other side of the fixing device in the first direction.
  4. 　前記プレチャージ電極は、尖った形状を有することを特徴とする、請求項２または請求項３に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the precharge electrode has a sharp shape.
  5. 　前記プレチャージ電極は、前記第１方向および前記搬送方向の両方向と交差する第２方向に沿って、尖った形状を複数有することを特徴とする、請求項４に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the precharge electrode has a plurality of sharp shapes along a second direction intersecting both the first direction and the transport direction.
  6. 　前記第１対向電極は、グランドに接続される第１端子を有することを特徴とする、請求項５に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the first counter electrode has a first terminal connected to the ground.
  7. 　前記第１端子は、複数の前記尖った形状に対して、前記第２方向に間隔を空けて位置することを特徴とする、請求項６に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to claim 6, wherein the first terminal is located at intervals in the second direction with respect to the plurality of sharp shapes.
  8. 　前記第１対向電極に対して前記搬送方向の下流側に位置する第２対向電極であって、前記第１方向において、前記ノズルと間隔を空けて向かい合う第２対向電極を、さらに備え、
    　前記第２対向電極は、グランドに接続される第２端子を有し、
    　前記第１端子は、前記第２端子と電気的に接続されることを特徴とする、請求項６または請求項７に記載の定着装置。     A second counter electrode located downstream of the first counter electrode in the transport direction, further comprising a second counter electrode facing the nozzle in the first direction at intervals.
    The second counter electrode has a second terminal connected to the ground.
    The fixing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal.
  9. 　前記第１対向電極は、前記ノズルによる定着液の噴霧領域に対して、前記搬送方向の上流側に間隔を空けて位置することを特徴とする、請求項２から請求項８のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 Any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first counter electrode is located at an interval on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the spraying region of the fixer by the nozzle. The fixing device according to.
  10. 　前記第１対向電極は、前記シートの搬送をガイドする搬送ガイドを有することを特徴とする、請求項２から請求項９のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first counter electrode has a transport guide that guides the transport of the sheet.
  11. 　前記第１対向電極を保持する保持部を、さらに備え、
    　前記第１対向電極は、金属からなり、
    　前記保持部は、樹脂からなることを特徴とする、請求項２から請求項１０のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。     A holding portion for holding the first counter electrode is further provided.
    The first counter electrode is made of metal and is made of metal.
    The fixing device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the holding portion is made of a resin.
  12. 　前記保持部は、ボスを有し、
    　前記第１対向電極は、前記ボスが挿入される穴を有し、
    　前記搬送方向の両方向と交差する第２方向における前記穴の寸法は、前記第２方向における前記ボスの寸法よりも大きいことを特徴とする、請求項１１に記載の定着装置。     The holding portion has a boss and
    The first counter electrode has a hole into which the boss is inserted.
    The fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the size of the hole in the second direction intersecting both directions in the transport direction is larger than the size of the boss in the second direction.
  13. 　前記第１対向電極は、金属からなることを特徴とする、請求項２から請求項１０のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first counter electrode is made of metal.
  14. 　前記プレチャージ電極は、前記シートに対して非接触であることを特徴とする、請求項１から請求項１３のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the precharge electrode is non-contact with the sheet.
  15. 　前記プレチャージ電極は、金属からなることを特徴とする、請求項１から請求項１４のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the precharge electrode is made of metal.
  16. 　前記第１極性は、前記シートに形成される前記トナー像の帯電極性と同じであることを特徴とする、請求項１から請求項１５のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置。 The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first polarity is the same as the charging polarity of the toner image formed on the sheet.
  17. 　感光ドラムと、
    　前記感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される請求項１から請求項１６のいずれか一項に記載の定着装置と、を備え、
    　前記プレチャージ電極は、前記感光ドラムから前記定着装置に向かうシートの搬送方向において、前記感光ドラムと前記ノズルユニットとの間に位置することを特徴とする、画像形成装置。     Photosensitive drum and
    The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a sheet on which a toner image is formed is conveyed from the photosensitive drum.
    An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the precharge electrode is located between the photosensitive drum and the nozzle unit in a sheet transport direction from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device.
  18. 　感光ドラムと、
    　前記感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される請求項８に記載の定着装置と、
    　グランドに接続される第３端子と、を備え、
    　前記第２端子は、前記第３端子と電気的に接続されることを特徴とする、画像形成装置。     Photosensitive drum and
    The fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the sheet on which the toner image is formed is conveyed from the photosensitive drum.
    Equipped with a third terminal connected to the ground
    An image forming apparatus, wherein the second terminal is electrically connected to the third terminal.
  19. 　感光ドラムと、
    　前記感光ドラムからトナー像が形成されたシートが搬送される請求項１０に記載の定着装置と、
    　前記感光ドラムから前記定着装置に向かうシートの搬送をガイドするリブと、を備え、　前記搬送ガイドは、前記リブを受け入れる凹部を有することを特徴とする、画像形成装置。     Photosensitive drum and
    The fixing device according to claim 10, wherein the sheet on which the toner image is formed is conveyed from the photosensitive drum.
    An image forming apparatus comprising a rib for guiding the transfer of a sheet from the photosensitive drum to the fixing device, and the transfer guide having a recess for receiving the rib.
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