JP2011075983A

JP2011075983A - Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2011075983A
Application number: JP2009229576A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Toshiyuki Iseki; 敏之井関; Hisayoshi Oshima; 久慶大島; Takahiko Matsumoto; 貴彦松本
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-01
Filing date: 2009-10-01
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing device that produces a foamy fixing liquid of a more uniform foam diameter and bulk density; and also to provide an image forming apparatus that has improved fixing performance and ensures high image quality. <P>SOLUTION: The foaming means of the fixing device is equipped with: a liquid chamber having a fixing liquid inlet into which a fixing liquid supplied by a liquid supply means flows, and accommodating the fixing liquid; a plurality of fixing liquid channels provided so that the fixing liquid from the liquid chamber is made to flow from a direction opposite to the flow direction of a gas channel; a gas chamber having a gas inlet into which a gas supplied by a gas supply means is made to flow, and accommodating the gas; a plurality of gas channels provided so that the gas from the gas chamber is made to flow; gas and liquid mixing sections for mixing the gas from each gas channel and the fixing liquid from each fixing liquid channel while facing each other; and a flow-rate uniformizing means for uniformizing a flow rate per unit time in each fixing liquid channel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は定着装置及び画像形成装置に関し、詳細には樹脂微粒子を含有した樹脂微粒子を記録媒体に定着させるフォーム状の定着液を生成する技術に関する。 The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for generating a foam-like fixing liquid that fixes resin fine particles containing resin fine particles to a recording medium.

プリンタ、ファクシミリ及び複写装置のような画像形成装置は、紙、布、及びＯＨＰ用シートのような記録媒体に、画像情報に基づいて文字や記号を含む画像を形成する装置である。特に、電子写真方式の画像形成装置は、普通紙に高精細な画像を高速で形成することができるため、広くオフィスで使用されている。このような電子写真方式の画像形成装置においては、記録媒体上のトナーを加熱して溶融させ、溶融したトナーを加圧することによって、トナーを記録媒体上に定着させる熱定着方式が広く用いられている。この熱定着方式は、高い定着速度及び高い定着画像品質等を提供することができるため、好適に用いられている。 Image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimile machines, and copying machines are apparatuses that form images including characters and symbols on recording media such as paper, cloth, and OHP sheets based on image information. In particular, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are widely used in offices because they can form high-definition images on plain paper at high speed. In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a heat fixing method is widely used in which toner on a recording medium is heated and melted, and the molten toner is pressurized to fix the toner on the recording medium. Yes. This thermal fixing method is preferably used because it can provide a high fixing speed and high fixed image quality.

しかし、このような電子写真方式の画像形成装置における消費電力の約半分以上は、熱定着方式においてトナーを加熱することに消費されている。一方、近年における環境問題対策の観点からは、低消費電力（省エネルギー）の定着装置が望まれている。即ち、トナーを定着するためにトナーを加熱する温度を今までよりも極端に低下させること、又はトナーを加熱することを必要としない定着方法が望まれている。特に、トナーを全く加熱することなくトナーを記録媒体に定着させる非加熱定着方法が低消費電力の点で理想的である。 However, about half or more of the power consumption in such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is consumed in heating the toner in the heat fixing method. On the other hand, a low power consumption (energy saving) fixing device is desired from the viewpoint of countermeasures for environmental problems in recent years. That is, there is a demand for a fixing method in which the temperature for heating the toner for fixing the toner is extremely lowered than before, or the toner does not need to be heated. In particular, the non-heat fixing method in which the toner is fixed to the recording medium without heating the toner at all is ideal in terms of low power consumption.

このような非加熱定着方法としては、例えばトナーを溶解または膨潤可能で、水に不溶または難溶な有機化合物が水に分散混合された水中油滴型の定着剤を、未定着のトナーが所定位置に配設された被定着物の表面から噴霧または滴下してトナーを溶解または膨潤させた後、被定着物を乾燥させるトナーの湿式定着方法がある。 As such a non-heat fixing method, for example, an oil-in-water type fixing agent in which a toner can be dissolved or swelled and an organic compound insoluble or hardly soluble in water is dispersed and mixed in water is used. There is a wet fixing method for toner, in which a toner is dissolved or swollen by spraying or dropping from the surface of the fixing object disposed at the position, and then the fixing object is dried.

この湿式定着方法の一例として特許文献１には、定着液が塗られた塗布ローラを未定着トナーが乗った記録媒体に接触させる方法が提案されている。しかし、特許文献１の方法では、定着液を記録媒体に微量付与するために塗布ローラ上の定着液層の厚みが未定着トナー層よりも薄い場合、塗布ローラが記録媒体から分離する位置で、塗布ローラ表面の定着液の液膜によって生じる表面張力で未定着トナー粒子が引っ張られてしまい塗布ローラの表面にトナー粒子がオフセットし、記録媒体上の画像が大幅に乱れてしまう。 As an example of this wet fixing method, Patent Document 1 proposes a method in which an application roller coated with a fixing solution is brought into contact with a recording medium on which unfixed toner is placed. However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when the thickness of the fixing liquid layer on the application roller is thinner than the unfixed toner layer in order to apply a small amount of the fixing liquid to the recording medium, the position where the application roller is separated from the recording medium is Unfixed toner particles are pulled by the surface tension generated by the liquid film of the fixing solution on the surface of the coating roller, and the toner particles are offset on the surface of the coating roller, so that the image on the recording medium is greatly disturbed.

逆に、塗布ローラ上の定着液層の厚みを未定着トナー層よりも十分厚くすると、塗布ローラが記録媒体から分離する位置で、液量が多いため塗布ローラの表面の液膜による表面張力が直接トナー粒子に作用しにくくなり、ローラ側にトナーがオフセットしなくなるが、紙面に多量の定着液が塗布されるため、トナー粒子が過剰な定着液により記録媒体上で流され画質劣化を生じたり、乾燥時間が長くなり定着応答性に問題が生じてしまう。また、紙に著しい残液感（紙を手で触れたときの湿った感触）が発生する。更に、定着液が水を含有する場合、紙等のセルロースを含有する媒体への塗布量が多い場合、紙等の媒体が著しくカールし、画像形成装置などにおける装置内の紙等の媒体搬送時に紙ジャム発生の恐れがある。よって、このような定着液でローラ塗布を行う構成では、定着応答性向上や残液感低減やカール防止ための紙上のトナー層への定着液微量塗布と定着ローラへのトナーオフセット防止を両立することが極めて難しい。 Conversely, if the thickness of the fixing liquid layer on the coating roller is made sufficiently thicker than that of the unfixed toner layer, the surface tension due to the liquid film on the surface of the coating roller is large because the liquid volume is large at the position where the coating roller is separated from the recording medium. Although it does not act directly on the toner particles and the toner does not offset on the roller side, a large amount of fixing liquid is applied to the paper surface, so that the toner particles are flowed on the recording medium by the excessive fixing liquid and image quality deterioration may occur. As a result, the drying time becomes longer and a problem occurs in the fixing response. In addition, a noticeable residual liquid feeling (a wet feeling when the paper is touched by hand) occurs on the paper. Further, when the fixing solution contains water, when the amount of application to a medium containing cellulose such as paper is large, the medium such as paper is significantly curled, and the medium such as paper in the apparatus in the image forming apparatus is conveyed. There is a risk of paper jam. Therefore, in such a configuration in which the roller application is performed with the fixing liquid, a small amount of the fixing liquid is applied to the toner layer on the paper and the toner offset is prevented from being applied to the fixing roller in order to improve the fixing response, reduce the residual liquid feeling, and prevent curling. It is extremely difficult.

そこで、特許文献２のように定着液を泡状にしてから同様の工程を行うとトナーの移行が著しく少なくなり良好な画像が得られるという技術が提案されている。気泡を大量に含有したフォーム状の液体が極めてかさ密度が低いことに着目した発明で、接触塗布手段であるローラ塗布にてローラへのオフセットが生じない塗布を行うためには、塗布ローラ上の定着液層が厚い必要がある。このことは、樹脂微粒子のオフセットが生じない均一塗布には、塗布ローラ表面に定着液の体積がある程度必要であることを意味している。 In view of this, a technique has been proposed in which, as in Patent Document 2, if the same process is performed after the fixing solution is made into a foam, toner transfer is remarkably reduced and a good image can be obtained. It is an invention that pays attention to the fact that the foam-like liquid containing a large amount of bubbles has a very low bulk density. The fixer layer needs to be thick. This means that a certain amount of fixer volume is required on the surface of the coating roller for uniform coating with no resin fine particle offset.

一方、塗布後の媒体上樹脂微粒子層上の定着液量は少ないほうが定着応答性や残液感に優れており、これは定着液の重量が少ないことが望ましいことを意味する。塗布する際は定着液の体積が多く、かつ塗布後の媒体上の定着液重量は少ない条件を満たすためには、定着液の密度が低ければよく、塗布時に体積は多くても、実質的な塗布重量は小さくすることができる。即ち、かさ密度（定着液の重量をその体積で割った値）の低い定着液を使用すれば、定着液微量塗布と定着ローラへのトナーオフセット防止を両立することが可能となる。 On the other hand, the smaller the amount of the fixing solution on the resin fine particle layer on the medium after coating, the better the fixing responsiveness and the residual liquid feeling, which means that it is desirable that the weight of the fixing solution is small. In order to satisfy the condition that the volume of the fixing solution is large and the weight of the fixing solution on the medium after coating is small, it is sufficient that the density of the fixing solution is low. The coating weight can be reduced. That is, if a fixer having a low bulk density (a value obtained by dividing the weight of the fixer by its volume) is used, it is possible to achieve both a small amount of fixer and a toner offset prevention to the fixing roller.

また、かさ密度の低い小さな泡を生成する方法として、液体に気体を巻き込んで攪拌して所望の泡径より大きい泡径の泡状の液体を生成する第１の泡生成工程と、該第１の泡状定着液生成工程により生成された所望の泡径より大きい泡径の泡状の液体に剪断力を加えて所望の泡径の泡状の液体を生成する第２の泡生成工程をもつ泡生成方法が特許文献３に提案されている。 In addition, as a method of generating small bubbles having a low bulk density, a first bubble generating step of generating a bubble-like liquid having a bubble diameter larger than a desired bubble diameter by entraining and stirring a gas in the liquid; A second bubble generation step of generating a foamy liquid having a desired bubble diameter by applying a shearing force to the bubble-shaped liquid having a larger bubble size than that generated by the foam-fixing solution generation step A foam generation method is proposed in Patent Document 3.

しかしながら、上記特許文献２、３のように泡状の定着液を使用すると新たな課題が発生する。泡生成部で生成した泡を配管(チューブ)で塗布ローラまで圧送しようとすると、泡の流体抵抗で大きな圧力を必要とする。泡を均一に塗布するには、泡の膜厚よりも小さな泡径が必要であるが、泡径が小さくなるほど流体抵抗は増加する。また、媒体上の定着液重量を少なくするためには、かさ密度を低くする必要があるが、かさ密度の低く泡径が小さい泡は非常に流体抵抗が高い。そのため、泡生成部から塗布ローラまで配管(チューブ)で圧送しようとすると大きな圧力が必要でそれを発生する大容量のポンプが必要になってしまう。 However, when a foamy fixing solution is used as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, a new problem occurs. If the foam generated in the foam generation section is pressure-fed to the application roller through a pipe (tube), a large pressure is required due to the fluid resistance of the foam. In order to apply the foam uniformly, a foam diameter smaller than the film thickness of the foam is required, but the fluid resistance increases as the foam diameter decreases. Further, in order to reduce the weight of the fixing solution on the medium, it is necessary to reduce the bulk density, but bubbles having a low bulk density and a small bubble diameter have a very high fluid resistance. For this reason, if pressure is to be fed through the pipe (tube) from the foam generating unit to the application roller, a large pressure is required and a large-capacity pump that generates the pressure is required.

また、泡生成部で生成した泡は、経時的に破泡を繰り返し、泡径が徐々に大きくなってしまう。定着を一定時間以上しなかった場合、泡を泡生成部から塗布ローラまで配管(チューブ)で圧送した場合、この間の泡は所望の性状でないため、定着に使用できず、系外排出する必要があり、無駄になってしまう。 Moreover, the foam produced | generated in the foam production | generation part repeats foam breaking with time, and a bubble diameter will become large gradually. If fixing has not been performed for a certain period of time, if bubbles are pumped from the bubble generation section to the application roller with a pipe (tube), the bubbles during this period are not the desired properties, so they cannot be used for fixing and must be discharged outside the system. Yes, it becomes useless.

更に、塗布ローラに泡状の定着液を全面塗布した場合、未定着トナーが乗った記録媒体のサイズ以外の部分(媒体の幅以外の部分、媒体と媒体の間の部分)に塗布された泡状の定着液は定着に使用されない。定着後に塗布ローラに付着した泡をクリーニングする必要が有るが、泡状の定着液は非常に体積が大きく(液の状態の数十倍)、回収した泡を直ぐに液化してやる必要がある。定着に使用されない無効な泡状の定着液が多いとクリーニングの負荷が非常に大きくなってしまう。 In addition, when a foam-like fixing solution is applied to the entire surface of the application roller, bubbles applied to portions other than the size of the recording medium on which the unfixed toner is placed (portions other than the width of the medium, portions between the medium and the medium). The fixing solution is not used for fixing. It is necessary to clean the bubbles adhering to the application roller after fixing, but the volume of the foam-like fixing solution is very large (tens of times the liquid state), and the collected bubbles need to be liquefied immediately. If there are many invalid foam-like fixing solutions that are not used for fixing, the cleaning load becomes very large.

そこで、膜厚制御塗布手段の内部に設けられた泡生成手段で泡状の定着液を生成することで泡の圧送距離を短くできるため、圧送に必要な流体抵抗を低減することができ、更に長時間定着しなかったとき等に、泡の性状が経時変化した場合、系外排出しなければならない泡状の定着液の量を低減することができる。しかし、膜厚制御塗布手段内部でかさ密度が低く、泡径の小さな泡を生成しようとすると、液状の定着液に気体を吹き込む泡生成工程の他に、泡に剪断力を与え、泡径を小さくする工程が必要になり、膜厚制御塗布手段の構成が複雑になってしまう。また、流体抵抗の高いスリットと流体抵抗の低いマニホールドの構成により媒体の幅方向に広げて塗布ローラに塗布する際に一部破泡して泡径が大きくなったり、かさ密度が高くなったりしてしまう。 Therefore, by generating the foam-like fixer with the foam generation means provided in the film thickness control coating means, the foam pumping distance can be shortened, so that the fluid resistance required for pumping can be reduced. If the foam properties change over time, such as when fixing is not performed for a long time, the amount of foam-like fixing solution that must be discharged out of the system can be reduced. However, when trying to generate bubbles with a low bulk density and a small bubble diameter inside the film thickness control coating means, in addition to the bubble generation step of blowing gas into the liquid fixer, a shear force is applied to the bubbles to reduce the bubble diameter. This requires a process for making the film thickness control coating means complicated. In addition, due to the configuration of slits with high fluid resistance and manifolds with low fluid resistance, when spreading to the application roller by spreading in the width direction of the medium, part of the bubbles may break and the bubble diameter may increase or the bulk density may increase. End up.

本発明はこれらの問題点を解決するためのものであり、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる定着装置、及び定着性能が向上でき高い画像品質を確保可能な画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention is intended to solve these problems, and a fixing device capable of generating a bubble-shaped fixing solution having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density, and a high image quality with improved fixing performance. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be secured.

前記問題点を解決するために、本発明の定着装置は、樹脂の少なくとも一部を溶解又は膨潤させることで樹脂を軟化させる軟化剤を含有した液状の定着液を供給する液供給手段と、液状定着液を発泡させるための気体を供給する気体供給手段と、液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液と前記気体供給手段によって供給された気体を混合して発泡させる泡生成手段と、該泡生成手段によって生成された泡状定着液をスリット開口を介して膜状にして塗布する膜形成塗布手段と、該膜形成塗布手段で形成された泡膜を表面に担持した後、媒体に接触塗布する泡状定着液塗布手段とを有している。そして、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段は、液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液が流入される定着液流入口を有し定着液を収容する液室と、該液室からの定着液を気体流路の流動方向と対向する方向から流すように設けられた複数の液状定着液流路と、気体供給手段によって供給された気体が流入される気体流入口を有し気体を収容する気室と、該気室からの気体を流す複数の気体流路と、該各気体流路からの気体と各液状定着液流路からの液状定着液とを互いに対向し合って混合する気液混合部と、各液状定着液流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする流量均一化手段とを具備することに特徴がある。よって、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる。 In order to solve the above problems, the fixing device of the present invention includes a liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid fixing solution containing a softening agent that softens the resin by dissolving or swelling at least part of the resin, A gas supply means for supplying a gas for foaming the fixing liquid, a foam generating means for mixing and foaming the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supply means and the gas supplied by the gas supply means, and the foam generation A film-forming application means for applying the foam-like fixing solution produced by the means in the form of a film through a slit opening and a foam film formed by the film-forming application means supported on the surface, and then applied to the medium in contact And a foam-type fixing solution coating means. The bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention includes a liquid chamber having a fixing liquid inlet into which the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supply means is introduced, and containing the fixing liquid, and a fixing liquid from the liquid chamber. A plurality of liquid fixer channels provided so as to flow from a direction opposite to the flow direction of the gas channel, and a gas inlet into which the gas supplied by the gas supply unit flows is contained in the gas. A gas-liquid mixture for mixing the gas from each gas flow path and the liquid fixer from each liquid fixer flow so as to face each other And a flow rate uniformizing means for making the flow rate per unit time uniform in each liquid fixer flow path. Therefore, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing solution having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density.

また、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段は、液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液が流入される定着液流入口を有し定着液を収容する液室と、該液室からの定着液を気体流路の流動方向と対向する方向から流すように設けられた複数の液状定着液流路と、気体供給手段によって供給された気体が流入される気体流入口を有し気体を収容する気室と、該気室からの気体を流す複数の気体流路と、該各気体流路からの気体と各液状定着液流路からの液状定着液とを互いに対向し合って混合する気液混合部と、各液状定着液流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする第１の流量均一化手段と、各気体流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする第２の流量均一化手段とを具備することに特徴がある。よって、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる。 Further, the bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention includes a liquid chamber having a fixing liquid inlet into which the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supply means flows, and containing the fixing liquid, and a fixing liquid from the liquid chamber. A plurality of liquid fixer channels provided so as to flow from a direction opposite to the flow direction of the gas channel, and a gas inlet into which the gas supplied by the gas supply unit flows is contained in the gas. A gas-liquid mixture for mixing the gas from each gas flow path and the liquid fixer from each liquid fixer flow so as to face each other A first flow rate uniformizing unit that equalizes the flow rate per unit time in each liquid fixer flow path, and a second flow rate equalization unit that equalizes the flow rate per unit time in each gas flow path. There is a feature in doing. Therefore, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing solution having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density.

更に、流量均一化手段は、定着液流入口から液室及び各液状定着液流路を介しての気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて、各液状定着液流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行う。また、第１の流量均一化手段は、定着液流入口から液室及び各液状定着液流路を介しての気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて各液状定着液流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行い、第２の流量均一化手段は、気体流入口から気室及び各気体流路を介しての気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて各気体流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行う。よって、各流路間の流体抵抗のばらつきを減らし、その結果各流路の流速を一定とすることにより、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる。 Further, the flow rate uniformizing means is configured to allow the flow rate of each liquid fixer channel to flow according to the length of each path length from the fixer inlet to the gas chamber through the liquid chamber and each liquid fixer channel. Adjust the path length, channel width, and channel depth. Further, the first flow rate equalizing means includes each liquid fixing liquid flow path according to the length of each path length from the fixing liquid inlet to the gas chamber through the liquid chamber and each liquid fixing liquid flow path. The second flow rate equalizing means adjusts the flow path length, flow path width, and flow path depth of the gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas-liquid mixing section through the gas chamber and each gas flow path. The channel length, channel width, and channel depth of each gas channel are adjusted according to the length. Therefore, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing liquid having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density by reducing variations in fluid resistance between the respective flow paths and, as a result, making the flow velocity of each flow path constant.

また、液室に、定着液流入口と各液状定着液流路の入流口の間における定着液の流動を規制して各液状定着液流路に流入される定着液の流量を調整する定着液流動規制手段を設ける。更には、気室にも、気体流入口と各気体流路の入流口の間における気体の流動を規制して各気体流路に流入される気体の流量を調整する気体流動規制手段を設ける。よって、各流路間の流体抵抗のばらつきを減らし、その結果各流路の流速を一定とすることにより、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる。 A fixing solution that regulates the flow rate of the fixing solution flowing into each liquid fixing solution channel by regulating the flow of the fixing solution between the fixing solution inlet and the inlet of each liquid fixing solution channel into the liquid chamber. Provide flow control means. Furthermore, the gas chamber is also provided with gas flow regulating means for regulating the flow of gas between the gas inlet and the inlet of each gas channel and adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing into each gas channel. Therefore, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing liquid having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density by reducing variations in fluid resistance between the respective flow paths and, as a result, making the flow velocity of each flow path constant.

更に、別の発明としての画像形成装置は、樹脂と色剤を含有する樹脂微粒子を含む現像剤で静電記録プロセスを行い媒体上に未定着トナー画像を形成する画像形成手段と、上記定着装置により未定着トナー画像を媒体に定着させる定着手段とを具備することに特徴がある。よって、定着性能が向上でき高い画像品質を確保可能な画像形成装置を提供することができる。 Furthermore, an image forming apparatus as another invention includes an image forming means for forming an unfixed toner image on a medium by performing an electrostatic recording process with a developer containing resin fine particles containing a resin and a colorant, and the fixing device. And a fixing means for fixing the unfixed toner image on the medium. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the fixing performance and ensuring high image quality.

本発明の定着装置によれば、各液状定着液流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にするために定着液流入口から液室及び各液状定着液流路を介しての気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて各液状定着液流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行う。また、各気体流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にするために気体流入口から気室及び各気体流路を介しての気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて各気体流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行う。よって、より均一な泡径、かさ密度の泡状定着液を生成することが可能になる。 According to the fixing device of the present invention, in order to make the flow rate per unit time uniform in each liquid fixing solution flow path, from the fixing solution inflow port to the gas chamber and the gas-liquid mixing section via each liquid fixing solution flow path. The channel length, channel width, and channel depth of each liquid fixing solution channel are adjusted according to the length of each channel length. In addition, in order to make the flow rate per unit time uniform in each gas flow path, each gas flow depends on the length of each path length from the gas inlet to the gas chamber and the gas-liquid mixing part via each gas flow path. Adjust the channel length, channel width, and channel depth of the channel. Therefore, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing solution having a more uniform bubble diameter and bulk density.

本発明の定着装置の構成を示す概略構成図である。1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing device of the present invention. 本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the bubble production | generation means in the fixing device of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of bubble generation means in the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the structure of the bubble production | generation means in the fixing device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the structure of the bubble production | generation means in the fixing device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第４の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the structure of the bubble production | generation means in the fixing device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第５の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the structure of the bubble production | generation means in the fixing device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. 別の発明としての画像形成装置の構成を示す概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus as another invention.

図１は本発明の定着装置の構成を示す概略構成図である。同図に示す本発明の定着装置１は、主に、泡状定着液生成装置１０と、泡状定着液塗布装置２０とを含んで構成されている。そして、泡状定着液生成装置１０は、樹脂の少なくとも一部を溶解又は膨潤させることで樹脂を含有する微粒子を軟化させる軟化剤を含有した液状定着液を収納する液状定着液容器１１と、液状定着液を後述する泡生成手段に液圧送用チューブ１２を介して圧送するためのポンプ等の液供給手段１３と、フィルタ１４を通した空気を取り込んで気体圧送用チューブ１５を介して圧送するためのポンプ等の気体供給手段１６と、圧送されて来た液体定着液を、気体供給手段１６によって圧送されてくる空気でバブリングして泡状定着液を生成する泡生成手段１７とを含んで構成されている。 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fixing device of the present invention. The fixing device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 mainly includes a foamy fixing solution generating device 10 and a foamy fixing solution applying device 20. The foam-like fixer generating apparatus 10 includes a liquid fixer container 11 for storing a liquid fixer containing a softening agent that softens fine particles containing a resin by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin; In order to take in the air that has passed through the filter 14 and the liquid supply means 13 such as a pump for pumping the fixing liquid to the bubble generating means, which will be described later, via the liquid pressure feed tube 12, and to send it through the gas pressure feed tube 15. Gas supply means 16 such as a pump, and a bubble generating means 17 for bubbling the liquid fixer sent by pressure with the air pressure-fed by the gas supply means 16 to generate a foam-like fixer. Has been.

また、泡状定着液塗布装置２０は、所定の膜厚の泡状定着液を後述する加圧ローラとのニップ部領域において記録媒体上の未定着トナーに塗布する塗布ローラ２１と、搬送されてくる記録媒体を挟持して塗布ローラ２１と対向して設置され、塗布ローラ２１と共に記録媒体を加圧する加圧ローラ２２とを含んで構成されている。 In addition, the foam-like fixing liquid coating device 20 is conveyed to a coating roller 21 that applies a foam-type fixing liquid having a predetermined film thickness to the unfixed toner on the recording medium in a nip region with a pressure roller described later. The recording medium is interposed between the application roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 that presses the recording medium together with the application roller 21.

そして、泡状定着液生成装置１０における泡生成手段１７は、図２に示すように、軟化剤を含んだ液状定着液が定着液流入口１７−１及び液室１７−２を介して流す液状定着液流路１７−３と、空気が空気流入口１７−４及び気室１７−５を介して液状定着液流路１７−３の流動方向と対向する方向から流す空気流路１７−６と、空気と定着液とを混合して泡状定着液が生成するための気液混合部１８と、生成された泡状定着液が吐出されるスリット開口１９とを有している。液状定着液流路１７−３を流れた定着液と空気流路１７−６を通った空気が気液混合部１８で均一に混合されて発泡する。発泡した泡状定着液は、気液混合部１８上のスリット状の出口であるスリット開口１９から吐出され、泡状定着液塗布装置２０における塗布ローラ２１のローラ面上に塗布される。そして、塗布ローラ２１に塗布された泡状定着液は、記録媒体上の未定着トナーに加圧ローラ２２のニップ部分で接触し、加圧ローラ２２で加えられた圧力により、泡状定着液がトナー層に浸透していく。浸透した定着液はトナーの少なくとも一部を溶解又は膨潤させて記録媒体とトナーを定着させる。 Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the foam generating means 17 in the foam-like fixer generating apparatus 10 is a liquid that allows the liquid fixer containing the softening agent to flow through the fixer inlet 17-1 and the liquid chamber 17-2. A fixing liquid flow path 17-3, and an air flow path 17-6 in which air flows from a direction opposite to the flow direction of the liquid fixing liquid flow path 17-3 via the air inlet 17-4 and the air chamber 17-5. And a gas-liquid mixing unit 18 for generating a foamy fixing solution by mixing air and the fixing solution, and a slit opening 19 through which the generated foamy fixing solution is discharged. The fixer that has flowed through the liquid fixer channel 17-3 and the air that has passed through the air channel 17-6 are uniformly mixed and foamed by the gas-liquid mixing unit 18. The foamed foam-like fixing solution is discharged from a slit opening 19 that is a slit-like outlet on the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 and applied onto the roller surface of the application roller 21 in the foam-like fixing solution application device 20. The foamy fixing solution applied to the application roller 21 contacts the unfixed toner on the recording medium at the nip portion of the pressure roller 22, and the pressure applied by the pressure roller 22 causes the foamy fixing solution to be brought into contact with the unfixed toner on the recording medium. It penetrates into the toner layer. The permeated fixing solution dissolves or swells at least a part of the toner to fix the recording medium and the toner.

図２に示す泡生成手段によれば、液状定着液流路１７−３と空気流路１７−６をそれぞれ通った定着液と空気が気液混合部１８で均一に混合されて発泡することにより、数立方ｍｍ程度の極めて微小な容積で泡を生成することが可能になる。しかも気液混合部１８に連通するスリット開口１９を介して直接的に塗布ローラ２１に泡状定着液を塗布するので、大容量のポンプなども必要とせず、しかも無駄に系外排出しなければならない定着液の量も非常に少量に抑えることが可能である。 According to the foam generating means shown in FIG. 2, the fixer and air that have passed through the liquid fixer channel 17-3 and the air channel 17-6, respectively, are uniformly mixed in the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 and foamed. It is possible to generate bubbles with a very small volume of about several cubic mm. In addition, since the foamy fixing solution is directly applied to the application roller 21 through the slit opening 19 communicating with the gas-liquid mixing unit 18, a large-capacity pump or the like is not required, and the waste liquid must be discharged unnecessarily. It is possible to keep the amount of the fixing solution that does not become very small.

ところが、図２に示す泡生成手段１７によって生成される泡の泡径、及びかさ密度が均一ではなく、スリット開口１９の長手方向における場所によるばらつきが生じやすいという問題がある。すなわち、図２の（ａ）において、空気流入口１７−４から気室１７−５へと流入した空気は、複数の空気流路１７−６のうち２つの端部の流路よりも中央部の流路の方に流れやすく、また定着液流入口１７−１から液室１７−２へと流入した定着液もまた同様に、複数の液状定着液流路１７−３のうち２つの端部の流路よりも中央部の流路の方に流れやすい。このような傾向は、流体とそれと接する壁面との間で発生する流体抵抗に起因するものであり、空気よりも粘度の高い定着液の方がこのような傾向は顕著である。その結果として、スリット開口１９から吐出される泡状定着液はスリット開口１９の両端部に近づくほど気液の流速が遅くなるため径の大きな泡となって吐出され、スリット開口１９の中央部ではスリット両端部と比べて流速が速いため、径のより細かい泡が吐出されることになる。泡のかさ密度についても同様に、吐出位置によるばらつきが発生しやすくなる。スリット開口１９の長手方向における場所において、泡状定着液の泡径、及びかさ密度のばらつきは、定着性能が場所によってばらつく原因となり、定着後の画像品質の劣化に直結するという問題があった。そこで、このような問題点を解決するための本発明の一実施の形態の定着装置における泡生成手段の構成について図面を用いて以下に概説する。 However, the bubble diameter and bulk density of the bubbles generated by the bubble generating means 17 shown in FIG. 2 are not uniform, and there is a problem that variations depending on the location in the longitudinal direction of the slit opening 19 are likely to occur. That is, in FIG. 2A, the air flowing into the air chamber 17-5 from the air inlet 17-4 is more central than the flow path at the two ends of the plurality of air flow paths 17-6. Similarly, the fixer flowing into the liquid chamber 17-2 from the fixer inlet 17-1 also flows into the liquid channel 17-2 in the same manner. It is easier to flow toward the flow path in the center than the flow path. Such a tendency is caused by a fluid resistance generated between the fluid and the wall surface in contact with the fluid, and such a tendency is more remarkable in the fixing liquid having a higher viscosity than air. As a result, the foam-like fixing liquid discharged from the slit opening 19 is discharged as bubbles having a large diameter because the flow rate of the gas-liquid becomes slower as it approaches the both ends of the slit opening 19. Since the flow velocity is faster than both ends of the slit, bubbles with a finer diameter are discharged. Similarly, the bubble bulk density is likely to vary depending on the discharge position. Variations in the bubble diameter and bulk density of the foam-like fixing solution at the location in the longitudinal direction of the slit opening 19 cause a problem that the fixing performance varies depending on the location, which directly leads to deterioration in image quality after fixing. The configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the embodiment of the present invention for solving such problems will be outlined below with reference to the drawings.

図３は本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。図２と同じ参照符号は同じ構成要素を示す。図３の（ａ）に示すように、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段の特徴は、定着液流入口１７−１から複数の各液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までのそれぞれの距離に応じて対応する各液状定着液流路１７−３の流路長を調整する点である。具体的には、例えば定着液流入口１７−１から２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ１が中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ２より長いので双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路長Ｌ２１より２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路長Ｌ１１を短くすることで、双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差を減らすことが可能となる。その結果、定着液流入口１７−１から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. As shown in FIG. 3A, the bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention is characterized by the distance from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the inlets of the plurality of liquid fixing solution channels 17-3. The length of the corresponding liquid fixer flow path 17-3 is adjusted according to the above. Specifically, for example, the distance L1 from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the two ends is the distance to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the center. Since it is longer than L2, the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both liquid fixer channels 17-3 becomes larger, so that the two ends from the channel length L21 of the liquid fixer channel 17-3 at the center portion. By shortening the flow path length L11 of the liquid fixer flow path 17-3, it is possible to reduce the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both liquid fixer flow paths 17-3. As a result, variation in the fluid resistance from the fixing liquid inlet 17-1 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be reduced. Since it becomes more uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

なお、図３の（ｂ）に示すように、図３の（ａ）のような定着液流入側の構成に加えて、例えば空気流入口１７−４から２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ３が中央部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ４より長いので双方の空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の空気流路１７−６の流路長Ｌ４１より２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の流路長Ｌ３１を短くすることで、空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗を相対的に減らすことが可能となる。その結果、空気流入口１７−４から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 As shown in FIG. 3B, in addition to the configuration on the fixing solution inflow side as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, the air flow path 17- at two ends from the air inlet 17-4. Since the distance L3 to the inlet 6 is longer than the distance L4 to the inlet of the central air flow path 17-6, the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through the two air flow paths 17-6 increases. By reducing the flow path length L31 of the air flow path 17-6 at the two end portions from the flow path length L41 of the central air flow path 17-6, the fluid resistance when flowing through the air flow path 17-6 is reduced. It becomes possible to reduce relatively. As a result, the variation in fluid resistance from the air inlet 17-4 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be further increased. Since it becomes uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

図４は本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。図２と同じ参照符号は同じ構成要素を示す。図４の（ａ）に示すように、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段の特徴は、定着液流入口１７−１から複数の各液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までのそれぞれの距離に応じて対応する各液状定着液流路１７−３の流路幅を調整する点である。なお、各液状定着液流路の流路長は全て等しいとする。具体的には、例えば定着液流入口１７−１から２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ１が中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ２より長いので双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路幅Ｗ１を、２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路幅Ｗ２より小さくすることで、双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差を減らすことが可能となる。その結果、定着液流入口１７−１から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. As shown in FIG. 4A, the bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention is characterized by the distances from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the inlets of the plurality of liquid fixing solution channels 17-3. The flow width of each corresponding liquid fixer flow path 17-3 is adjusted according to the above. It is assumed that the channel lengths of the liquid fixer channels are all equal. Specifically, for example, the distance L1 from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the two ends is the distance to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the center. Since it is longer than L2, the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both liquid fixer channels 17-3 increases, so that the channel width W1 of the liquid fixer channel 17-3 at the center is set to two. By making it smaller than the channel width W2 of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the end, it is possible to reduce the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both liquid fixing solution channels 17-3. . As a result, variation in the fluid resistance from the fixing liquid inlet 17-1 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be reduced. Since it becomes more uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

なお、図４の（ｂ）に示すように、図４の（ａ）のような定着液流入側の構成に加えて、例えば空気流入口１７−４から２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ３が中央部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ４より長いので双方の空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の空気流路１７−６の流路幅Ｗ３を、２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の流路幅Ｗ４より小さくすることで、双方の空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差を減らすことが可能となる。なお、各空気流路の流路長も全て等しいとする。その結果、空気流入口１７−４から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 As shown in FIG. 4B, in addition to the configuration on the fixing solution inflow side as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, an air flow path 17- at two ends from an air inlet 17-4. Since the distance L3 to the inlet 6 is longer than the distance L4 to the inlet of the central air flow path 17-6, the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through the two air flow paths 17-6 increases. The flow width W3 of the central air flow path 17-6 is made smaller than the flow path width W4 of the air flow paths 17-6 at the two ends so that the air flow path 17-6 flows through both air flow paths 17-6. It is possible to reduce the relative difference in fluid resistance. It is assumed that all the air flow paths have the same length. As a result, the variation in fluid resistance from the air inlet 17-4 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be further increased. Since it becomes uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

図５は本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。図２と同じ参照符号は同じ構成要素を示す。図５の（ａ）のＸ−Ｘ’線断面図である図５の（ｂ）に示すように、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段の特徴は、定着液流入口１７−１から複数の各液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までのそれぞれの距離に応じて対応する各液状定着液流路１７−３の流路深さを調整する点である。なお、各液状定着液流路の流路長及び流路幅は全て等しいとする。具体的には、例えば定着液流入口１７−１から２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ１が中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の入り口までの距離Ｌ２より長いので双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路深さＤ１より２つの端部の液状定着液流路１７−３の流路深さＤ２を深くすることで、双方の液状定着液流路１７−３を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差を減らすことが可能となる。その結果、定着液流入口１７−１から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. As shown in FIG. 5B, which is a sectional view taken along line XX ′ of FIG. 5A, the characteristic of the bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention is that a plurality of fixing liquid inlets 17-1 The point is to adjust the channel depth of each liquid fixer channel 17-3 corresponding to each distance to the entrance of each liquid fixer channel 17-3. It is assumed that the channel length and the channel width of each liquid fixing solution channel are all equal. Specifically, for example, the distance L1 from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the two ends is the distance to the inlet of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 at the center. Since it is longer than L2, the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both the liquid fixer channels 17-3 becomes larger, so that the two flow depths D1 of the liquid fixer channel 17-3 at the center are two. By increasing the flow path depth D2 of the liquid fixer flow path 17-3 at the end, it is possible to reduce the relative difference in fluid resistance when flowing through both liquid fixer flow paths 17-3. Become. As a result, variation in the fluid resistance from the fixing liquid inlet 17-1 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be reduced. Since it becomes more uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

なお、図５の（ａ）のＺ−Ｚ’線断面図である図５の（ｃ）に示すように、図５の（ｂ）のような定着液流入側の構成に加えて、例えば空気流入口１７−４から２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ３が中央部の空気流路１７−６の入り口までの距離Ｌ４より長いので双方の空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗の相対的な差が大きくなるため、中央部の空気流路１７−６の流路深さＤ３より２つの端部の空気流路１７−６の流路深さＤ４を深くすることで、空気流路１７−６を流れる際の流体抵抗を相対的に減らすことが可能となる。その結果、空気流入口１７−４から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 As shown in FIG. 5C, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ ′ of FIG. 5A, in addition to the structure on the fixing solution inflow side as shown in FIG. Since the distance L3 from the inlet 17-4 to the inlet of the air channel 17-6 at the two ends is longer than the distance L4 to the inlet of the central air channel 17-6, both the air channels 17-6 The flow difference D4 of the two air flow channels 17-6 from the flow channel depth D3 of the central air flow channel 17-6 is set to be larger than the flow depth D3 of the central air flow channel 17-6. By increasing the depth, it is possible to relatively reduce the fluid resistance when flowing through the air flow path 17-6. As a result, the variation in fluid resistance from the air inlet 17-4 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 can be reduced between the respective flow paths, and the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time can be further increased. Since it becomes uniform, a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18.

図６は本発明の第４の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。図２と同じ参照符号は同じ構成要素を示す。スリット開口の開口幅が一定であると、定着液流入口１７−１との距離が短い液状定着液流路１７−３の流量と、空気流入口１７−４との距離が短い空気流路１７−６の流量とが多くなる。定着液流入口１７−１との距離が長い液状定着液流路１７−３の流量と、空気流入口１７−４との距離が長い空気流路１７−６の流量とが少なくなる。図６に示すように、本発明の定着装置における泡生成手段の特徴は、定着液流入口１７−１との距離が長い液状定着液流路１７−３と、空気流入口１７−４との距離が長い液状定着液流路１７−６とに連通するスリット開口１９ほど開口幅を相対的に広げる点である。その結果、定着液流入口１７−１から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗及び空気流入口１７−４から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. If the opening width of the slit opening is constant, the flow rate of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 with a short distance to the fixing solution inlet 17-1 and the air channel 17 with a short distance to the air inlet 17-4. The flow rate of -6 increases. The flow rate of the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 having a long distance to the fixing solution inlet 17-1 and the flow rate of the air channel 17-6 having a long distance to the air inlet 17-4 are reduced. As shown in FIG. 6, the feature of the bubble generating means in the fixing device of the present invention is that the liquid fixing solution channel 17-3 having a long distance from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 and the air inlet 17-4 are provided. The slit opening 19 that communicates with the liquid fixer flow path 17-6 having a longer distance is a relatively wide opening width. As a result, variations in the fluid resistance from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 and the fluid resistance from the air inlet 17-4 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 among the respective flow paths are reduced. Since the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time becomes more uniform, the foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18. it can.

図７は本発明の第５の実施の形態に係る定着装置における泡生成手段の構成を示す平面図である。図２と同じ参照符号は同じ構成要素を示す。図７に示すように、液室１７−２や気室１７−５に流動規制のための突起３１、３２を設けることで、各流入口から各流路までにいたる流体抵抗のばらつき減らすことが可能となる。その結果、定着液流入口１７−１から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗及び空気流入口１７−４から気液混合部１８までの流体抵抗の、各流路間でのばらつきを少なくすることができ、各流路を流れる流速、すなわち単位時間当たりの流量がより均一になるので、気液混合部１８のスリット開口１９から均一な泡径及びかさ密度の泡状定着液を吐出することができる。 FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the bubble generating means in the fixing device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same components. As shown in FIG. 7, by providing protrusions 31 and 32 for flow regulation in the liquid chamber 17-2 and the air chamber 17-5, variation in fluid resistance from each inlet to each flow path can be reduced. It becomes possible. As a result, variations in the fluid resistance from the fixing solution inlet 17-1 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 and the fluid resistance from the air inlet 17-4 to the gas-liquid mixing unit 18 among the respective flow paths are reduced. Since the flow rate flowing through each flow path, that is, the flow rate per unit time becomes more uniform, the foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density can be discharged from the slit opening 19 of the gas-liquid mixing unit 18. it can.

図８は別の発明としての画像形成装置の構成を示す概略構成図である。同図に示す本発明の画像形成装置１００は、上位装置からの画像データに基づいて各色に対応する露光装置を含む光学ユニット１０２によって画像形成ユニット１０３−１〜１０３−４の感光体ドラムに露光され、現像装置で現像された各色のトナー像が中間転写ベルト１０４に一次転写され、給紙カット１０１内に収納された用紙に二次転写される。未定着トナー像が形成された用紙が、上述した本発明の定着装置に搬送される。同図に示す定着装置は、上述した発明の定着装置に相当し、主には、液体の定着液をストックする定着液タンク１０５と、定着液タンク１０５から定着液を塗布ヘッド１０８に供給すると共に、定着液を泡にするための空気をフィルタ１０７を通して塗布ヘッド１０８に供給する空気・定着液供給ポンプ１０６と、泡状定着液を生成し塗布ローラ１０９に塗布する本発明の上記泡生成手段を有する塗布ヘッド１０８、塗布した泡状定着液を未定着トナーの載った用紙に転写、未定着トナー層に浸透させるための圧力を付加する加圧ローラ１１０と、塗布ローラ１０９をクリーニングするクリーニング装置１１１と、塗布した泡状定着液を塗布ローラ１０９上で微細化する微細化手段１１２とを含んで構成されている。このように、別の発明としての画像形成装置によれば、上述した本発明の定着装置を具備することで、泡径及びかさ密度が均一な泡状の定着液を生成することが可能となり、定着性能が向上でき高い画像品質を確保することができる非加熱定着方式の画像形成装置を提供できる。 FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus as another invention. The image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is exposed to the photosensitive drums of the image forming units 103-1 to 103-4 by an optical unit 102 including an exposure device corresponding to each color based on image data from a host device. Then, the toner images of the respective colors developed by the developing device are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 104 and secondarily transferred to the paper stored in the paper feed cut 101. The sheet on which the unfixed toner image is formed is conveyed to the above-described fixing device of the present invention. The fixing device shown in the figure corresponds to the fixing device of the invention described above, and mainly includes a fixing solution tank 105 for stocking a liquid fixing solution, and supplying the fixing solution from the fixing solution tank 105 to the coating head 108. An air / fixing solution supply pump 106 for supplying air for making the fixing solution into bubbles to the coating head 108 through the filter 107, and the bubble generating means of the present invention for generating a foamy fixing solution and applying it to the coating roller 109. A coating head 108, a pressure roller 110 that applies pressure to transfer the applied foam-like fixing liquid onto a sheet on which unfixed toner is placed, and to penetrate the unfixed toner layer; and a cleaning device 111 that cleans the application roller 109. And a refining means 112 for refining the applied foam-like fixing solution on the application roller 109. As described above, according to the image forming apparatus as another invention, it is possible to generate a foam-like fixing solution having a uniform bubble diameter and bulk density by including the above-described fixing device of the present invention. It is possible to provide a non-heat fixing type image forming apparatus capable of improving the fixing performance and ensuring high image quality.

なお、本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲内の記載であれば多種の変形や置換、応用が可能である。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, substitutions, and applications are possible as long as they are described within the scope of the claims.

１；定着装置、１０；泡状定着液生成装置、
１１；液状定着液容器、１２；液圧送用チューブ、１３；液供給手段、
１４；フィルタ、１５；気体圧送用チューブ、１６；気体供給手段、
１７；泡生成手段、１７−１；定着液流入口、
１７−２；液室、１７−３；液状定着液流路、１７−４；空気流入口、
１７−５；気室、１７−６；空気流路、１８；気液混合部、
１９；スリット開口、２０；泡状定着液塗布装置、
３１，３２；突起、１００；画像形成装置。 1; Fixing device, 10; Foamed fixer generating device,
11; Liquid fixer container, 12; Liquid pressure feeding tube, 13; Liquid supply means,
14; filter, 15; tube for gas feeding, 16; gas supply means,
17; foam generation means, 17-1; fixing solution inlet,
17-2; liquid chamber, 17-3; liquid fixer flow path, 17-4; air inlet,
17-5; air chamber, 17-6; air flow path, 18; gas-liquid mixing part,
19; slit opening, 20; foam-type fixing solution coating device,
31, 32; projection, 100; image forming apparatus.

特開２００６−０７８５３７号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-078537 特開２００７−２１９１０５号公報JP 2007-219105 A 特開２００８−１９７１８８号公報JP 2008-197188 A

Claims

樹脂の少なくとも一部を溶解又は膨潤させることで樹脂を軟化させる軟化剤を含有した液状の定着液を供給する液供給手段と、液状定着液を発泡させるための気体を供給する気体供給手段と、前記液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液と前記気体供給手段によって供給された気体を混合して発泡させる泡生成手段と、該泡生成手段によって生成された泡状定着液をスリット開口を介して膜状にして塗布する膜形成塗布手段と、該膜形成塗布手段で形成された泡膜を表面に担持した後、媒体に接触塗布する泡状定着液塗布手段とを有する定着装置において、
前記泡生成手段は、前記液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液が流入される定着液流入口を有し定着液を収容する液室と、該液室からの定着液を前記気体流路の流動方向と対向する方向から流すように設けられた複数の液状定着液流路と、前記気体供給手段によって供給された気体が流入される気体流入口を有し気体を収容する気室と、該気室からの気体を流す複数の気体流路と、該各気体流路からの気体と前記各液状定着液流路からの液状定着液とを互いに対向し合って混合する気液混合部と、前記各液状定着液流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする流量均一化手段とを具備することを特徴とする定着装置。 A liquid supply means for supplying a liquid fixer containing a softening agent that softens the resin by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin; a gas supply means for supplying a gas for foaming the liquid fixer; A foam generating means for mixing and foaming the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supplying means and the gas supplied by the gas supplying means, and the foam-like fixing liquid generated by the foam generating means through the slit opening. In a fixing device having a film-formation coating means for coating in the form of a film, and a foam-like fixing liquid application means for carrying a contact coating on a medium after supporting the foam film formed by the film-formation coating means on the surface,
The bubble generating means has a fixing liquid inlet through which the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supplying means flows, and stores the fixing liquid, and the fixing liquid from the liquid chamber is supplied to the gas flow path. A plurality of liquid fixer flow paths provided to flow from a direction opposite to the flow direction; a gas chamber having a gas inlet into which the gas supplied by the gas supply unit is introduced; A plurality of gas flow paths for flowing gas from the air chamber, and a gas-liquid mixing unit that mixes the gas from each of the gas flow paths and the liquid fixing liquid from each of the liquid fixing liquid paths facing each other; A fixing device comprising: a flow rate uniformizing unit configured to equalize a flow rate per unit time in each of the liquid fixer flow paths.

樹脂の少なくとも一部を溶解又は膨潤させることで樹脂を軟化させる軟化剤を含有した液状の定着液を供給する液供給手段と、液状定着液を発泡させるための気体を供給する気体供給手段と、前記液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液と前記気体供給手段によって供給された気体を混合して発泡させる泡生成手段と、該泡生成手段によって生成された泡状定着液をスリット開口を介して膜状にして塗布する膜形成塗布手段と、該膜形成塗布手段で形成された泡膜を表面に担持した後、媒体に接触塗布する泡状定着液塗布手段とを有する定着装置において、
前記泡生成手段は、前記液供給手段によって供給された液状定着液が流入される定着液流入口を有し定着液を収容する液室と、該液室からの定着液を前記気体流路の流動方向と対向する方向から流すように設けられた複数の液状定着液流路と、前記気体供給手段によって供給された気体が流入される気体流入口を有し気体を収容する気室と、該気室からの気体を流す複数の気体流路と、該各気体流路からの気体と前記各液状定着液流路からの液状定着液とを互いに対向し合って混合する気液混合部と、前記各液状定着液流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする第１の流量均一化手段と、前記各気体流路における単位時間当たり流量が均一にする第２の流量均一化手段とを具備することを特徴とする定着装置。 A liquid supply means for supplying a liquid fixer containing a softening agent that softens the resin by dissolving or swelling at least a part of the resin; a gas supply means for supplying a gas for foaming the liquid fixer; A foam generating means for mixing and foaming the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supplying means and the gas supplied by the gas supplying means, and the foam-like fixing liquid generated by the foam generating means through the slit opening. In a fixing device having a film-formation coating means for coating in the form of a film, and a foam-like fixing liquid application means for carrying a contact coating on a medium after supporting the foam film formed by the film-formation coating means on the surface,
The bubble generating means has a fixing liquid inlet through which the liquid fixing liquid supplied by the liquid supplying means flows, and stores the fixing liquid, and the fixing liquid from the liquid chamber is supplied to the gas flow path. A plurality of liquid fixer flow paths provided to flow from a direction opposite to the flow direction; a gas chamber having a gas inlet into which the gas supplied by the gas supply unit is introduced; A plurality of gas flow paths for flowing gas from the air chamber, and a gas-liquid mixing unit that mixes the gas from each of the gas flow paths and the liquid fixing liquid from each of the liquid fixing liquid paths facing each other; A first flow rate uniformizing unit that equalizes a flow rate per unit time in each liquid fixer flow path; and a second flow rate equalization unit that equalizes a flow rate per unit time in each gas flow path. A fixing device.

前記流量均一化手段は、前記定着液流入口から前記液室及び前記各液状定着液流路を介しての前記気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて、前記各液状定着液流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行うことを特徴とする請求項１記載の定着装置。 The flow rate equalizing means is configured to provide each liquid fixing solution according to the length of each path from the fixing solution inlet to the gas-liquid mixing unit via the liquid chamber and each liquid fixing solution channel. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the channel length, the channel width, and the channel depth of the channel are adjusted.

前記第１の流量均一化手段は、前記定着液流入口から前記液室及び前記各液状定着液流路を介しての前記気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて前記各液状定着液流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行い、前記第２の流量均一化手段は、前記気体流入口から前記気室及び前記各気体流路を介しての前記気液混合部までの各経路長の長さに応じて前記各気体流路の流路長、流路幅、流路深さの調整を行うことを特徴とする請求項２記載の定着装置。 The first flow rate equalizing means is configured to provide each liquid according to the length of each path from the fixing liquid inlet to the gas-liquid mixing section via the liquid chamber and each liquid fixing liquid flow path. The length, width, and depth of the fixer flow path are adjusted, and the second flow rate equalizing means is connected to the gas flow inlet through the gas chamber and each gas flow path. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the length, width, and depth of each gas flow path are adjusted according to the length of each path length to the gas-liquid mixing unit. .

前記液室に、前記定着液流入口と前記各液状定着液流路の流入口の間における定着液の流動を規制して前記各液状定着液流路に流入される定着液の流量を調整する定着液流動規制手段を設けることを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の定着装置。 In the liquid chamber, the flow of the fixing solution between the fixing solution inlet and the inlet of each liquid fixing solution channel is regulated to adjust the flow rate of the fixing solution flowing into each liquid fixing solution channel. The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing liquid flow restricting unit.

前記気室に、前記気体流入口と前記各気体流路の流入口の間における気体の流動を規制して前記各気体流路に流入される気体の流量を調整する気体流動規制手段を設けることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の定着装置。 Gas flow regulating means is provided in the air chamber for regulating the flow of gas between the gas inlet and the inlet of each gas flow path and adjusting the flow rate of gas flowing into each gas flow path. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein:

樹脂と色剤を含有する樹脂微粒子を含む現像剤で静電記録プロセスを行い媒体上に未定着トナー画像を形成する画像形成手段と、
請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載の定着装置により前記未定着トナー画像を媒体に定着させる定着手段と
を具備することを特徴とする画像形成装置。 Image forming means for forming an unfixed toner image on a medium by performing an electrostatic recording process with a developer containing resin fine particles containing a resin and a colorant;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit configured to fix the unfixed toner image on a medium by the fixing device according to claim 1.