The present disclosure relates to a fixer (fixing apparatus) an image forming device (image forming apparatus).
There is conventionally known a fixing apparatus configured to fix a toner image on a print medium by spraying a fixing solution onto the print medium on which the toner image is formed (see, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2017-68098). The fixing apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles from which the fixing solution is sprayed and an electrode facing the nozzles. Voltage is applied to the nozzles and the electrode. The fixing solution sprayed from the nozzles is attracted toward the electrode by electrostatic force. In this configuration, when the print medium on which the toner image is formed is conveyed between the nozzles and the electrode, the fixing solution is sprayed from the nozzles toward the print medium on which the toner image is formed.
In the fixing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2017-68098, in order to inhibit the clogging of nozzles, the fixing solution may be sprayed from the nozzles in the absence of the print medium between the nozzles and the electrode. In that case, the fixing solution sprayed from the nozzles accumulates around the electrode.
In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can recover or collect a fixing solution sprayed from a plurality of nozzles.
(1) A fixing apparatus of the present disclosure fixes a toner image on a print medium by spraying a fixing solution on the print medium on which the toner image is formed (the print medium with the toner image formed thereon). The fixing apparatus includes a plurality of first nozzles, a first electrode, a holding groove, and a container.
The fixing solution is sprayed from the plurality of first nozzles to the print medium on which the toner image is formed. Voltage is applied to the plurality of first nozzles.
Voltage is applied to the first electrode. The first electrode extends in a first direction. The first electrode faces the plurality of first nozzles in a second direction. The first electrode is positioned apart from the plurality of first nozzles in the second direction.
The holding groove accommodates the first electrode. The holding groove holds the fixing solution sprayed from the plurality of first nozzles. The holding groove has a discharge port. The fixing solution held in the holding groove is discharged through the discharge port.
The container is connected to the discharge port and contains the fixing solution discharged from the discharge port.
The holding groove has a bottom surface. The bottom surface is positioned on an opposite side of the first nozzles with respect to the first electrode in the second direction. The bottom surface is positioned apart from the first electrode in the second direction so that the fixing solution held in the holding groove passes between the first electrode and the bottom surface to flow toward the discharge port.
According to such a configuration, the first electrode faces the plurality of first nozzles. The first electrode is positioned in the holding groove.
Thus, the fixing solution sprayed from the first nozzle(s) be guided into the holding groove by the first electrode and held in the holding groove.
Further, the bottom surface of the holding groove is separated from the first electrode in the second direction.
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove can flow toward the discharge port through the space between the first electrode and the bottom surface, and can be contained in the container via the discharge port.
This makes it possible to recover or collect the fixing solution sprayed from the plurality of nozzles.
(2) An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure may include the fixing apparatus and a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction. The discharge port is positioned on an opposite side of the photosensitive drum with respect to the first electrode.
1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus
A schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 is explained with reference to
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a body casing 2, a feeder 3, a toner image forming section 4, and a fixing apparatus 5.
1.1 Body Casing
The body casing 2 configures the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1. The body casing 2 houses the feeder 3, the toner image forming section 4, and the fixing apparatus 5.
1.2 Feeder
The feeder 3 is configured to supply or feed a print medium S to the toner image forming section 4. Specifically, the feeder 3 is configured to convey the print medium S toward a photosensitive drum 6 of the toner image forming section 4. The toner image forming section 4 is explained below. The feeder 3 includes a paper feed bay 13, a pick-up roller 14, and a paper feed roller 15. The paper feed tray 13 is configured to accommodate the print medium S. The print medium S is, for example, printing paper (printing sheet). The pick-up roller 14 is configured to convey the print medium S in the paper feed tray 13 toward the paper teed roller 15. The paper feed roller 15 is configured to convey the print medium S fed from the pick-up roller 14 toward the photosensitive drum 6.
1.3 Toner Image Forming Section
The toner image forming section 4 is configured to form a toner image on the print medium S by use of a toner. The toner image forming section 4 includes the photosensitive drum 6, a charger 7, an exposure apparatus 8, a developing apparatus 9, and a transfer apparatus 10. Namely, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the photosensitive drum 6.
The photosensitive drum 6 has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 6 is rotatable about a shaft or axis extending in a first direction. The first direction is explained below.
The charger 7 is configured to charge a surface of the photosensitive drum 6. The charger 7 is, for example, a charging roller. The charger 7 may be a scorotron type charger. When the charger 7 is the charging roller, the charger 7 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. When the charger 7 is the scorotron type charger, the charger 7 is positioned apart from the surface of the photosensitive drum 6.
The exposure apparatus 8 is configured to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. Specifically, the exposure apparatus 8 is configured to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 6 charged by the charger 7. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. The exposure apparatus 8 is, specifically, a laser scan unit. The exposure apparatus 8 may be an LED array.
The developing apparatus 9 is configured to supply the toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. This develops the electrostatic latent image to form the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. The developing apparatus 9 includes a toner accommodating section 11 and a developing roller 12.
The toner accommodating section 11 accommodates the toner. The toner has toner particles and as needed, an external additive. The toner particles have a binder resin, and as necessary, a colorant, a pigment dispersant, a mold releasing agent, a magnetic body, and a charging control agent. The binder resin is a base of the toner particles. The binder resin binds components in the toner particles. The binder resin is softened by application of a fixing solution thereto, and then is cured to be firmly fixed to the print medium S. The colorant imparts a desired color to the toner particles. The colorant is dispersed in the binder resin. The pigment dispersant improves the dispersibility of the colorant. The charging control agent imparts a charging property (chargeability) to the toner particles. The chargeability may be either positive chargeability or negative chargeability. The external additive adjusts the chargeability, fluidity, storage stability of the toner particles.
The developing roller 12 is configured to supply the toner in the toner accommodating section 11 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 6. The developing roller 12 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 6. The developing roller 12 may not come into contact with the photosensitive drum 6.
The developing apparatus 9 may be configured as one process unit together with the photosensitive drum 6 and the charger 7. The process unit may be attachable to the body casing 2.
Further, the developing apparatus 9 may be a developing cartridge attachable to a drum unit having the photosensitive drum 6 and the charger 7. The drum unit may be attachable to the body casing 2.
Further, the developing apparatus 9 may include a developing section that includes the developing roller 12, and a toner cartridge that is attachable to the developing section. In such a case, the toner cartridge is provided with the toner accommodating section 11. Further, the developing section may be provided in the drum unit. The developing section may be attachable to the drum unit.
The transfer apparatus 10 is configured to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive drum 6 to the print medium S. The toner image is thus formed on the print medium S. The transfer apparatus 10 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 6. The transfer apparatus 10 may not come into contact with the photosensitive drum 6. The transfer apparatus 10 is, specifically, a transfer roller. The transfer apparatus 10 may be a transfer belt.
1.4 Fixing Apparatus
The fixing apparatus 5 sprays the fixing solution onto the print medium S, on which the toner image is formed, to fix the toner image to the print medium S. The print medium S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged onto an upper surface of the body casing 2.
2. Details of Fixing Apparatus
Referring to
As depicted in
The fixing apparatus 5 further includes a plurality of first nozzles 21, a first electrode 22, a plurality of second nozzles 23, a second electrode 24, a holding groove 25, a container 26, a rib 27, and a heater 28.
2.1 First Nozzles
The fixing solution is sprayed from each of the first nozzles 21 onto the print medium S on which the toner image is formed. Voltage is applied to each of the first nozzles 21. The fixing solution is thus electrostatically sprayed from each of the first nozzles 21.
As depicted in
2.2 First Electrode
As depicted in
As depicted in
Voltage is applied to the first electrode 22. As a result, the fixing solution sprayed from each of the first nozzles 21 can be attracted toward the first electrode 22 by electrostatic force. Specifically, the first electrode 22 has a plurality of protrusions 221. The protrusions 221 are arranged in the first direction at intervals. Each of the protrusions 221 extends in the second direction. Each of the protrusions 221 extends toward the first nozzles 21. When voltage is applied to the first electrode 22, the electrostatic force concentrates at the tip of each of the protrusions 221. Thus, the fixing solution sprayed from each of the first nozzles 21 can be reliably attracted toward the first electrode 22.
The print medium S passing through the fixing apparatus 5 passes between each of the first nozzles 21 and the first electrode 22. Thus, when the print medium S passes through the fixing apparatus 5, the fixing solution heading the first electrode 22 from each of the first nozzles 21 is applied to the print medium S.
2.3 Second Nozzles
As depicted in
As depicted in
2.4 Second Electrode
As depicted in
Preferably, a distance D2 between the second electrode 24 and the second nozzles 23 in the second direction is the same as a distance D1 between the first electrode 22 and the first nozzles 21 in the second direction.
As depicted in
Voltage is applied to the second electrode 24. As a result, the fixing solution sprayed from each of the second nozzles 23 can be attracted toward the second electrode 24 by electrostatic force. Specifically, the second electrode 24 has a plurality of protrusions 241. The protrusions 241 are arranged in the first direction at intervals. Each of the projections 241 extends in the second direction. Each of the protrusions 241 extends toward the second nozzles 23. When voltage is applied to the second electrode 24, the electrostatic force concentrates at the tip of each of the protrusions 241. Thus, the fixing solution sprayed from each of the second nozzles 23 can be reliably attracted toward the second electrode 24.
The print medium S passing through the fixing apparatus 5 passes between each of the first nozzles 21 and the first electrode 22, and then passes between each of the second nozzles 23 and the second electrode 24. Thus, when the print medium S passes through the fixing apparatus 5, the fixing solution heading the second electrode 24 from each of the second nozzles 23 is also applied to the print medium S.
2.5 Holding Groove
As depicted in
As depicted in
2.5.1 First Support Portion and Second Support Portion
As depicted in
In this embodiment, the first support portion 25A supports the one end 22A of the first electrode 22 in the first direction. The second support portion 25B supports the other end 22B of the first electrode 22 in the first direction. The first support portion 25A may not support the one end 22A of the first electrode 22 in the first direction, and the second support portion 25B may not support the other end 22B of the first electrode 22 in the first direction. The first support portion 25A may support a portion (first portion) of the first electrode 22 in the first direction, and the second support portion 25B may support a portion (second portion) of the first electrode 22 in the first direction that is positioned apart from the first support portion 25A.
The first support portion 25A extends from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. Further, the first support portion 25A extends in the first direction. The first support portion 25A may not extend from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. The first support portion 25A may extend from a first side surface S1 of the holding groove 25 in the first direction.
The second support portion 25B is positioned apart from the first support portion 25A in the first direction. Similar to the first support portion 25A, the second support portion 259 extends from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. Further, the second support portion 25B extends in the first direction. The second support portion 25B may not extend from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. The second support portion 25B may extend from a second side surface S2 of the holding groove 25 in the first direction.
The first electrode 22 is positioned between each of the first nozzles 21 and the bottom surface 25E of the holding groove 25 in the second direction by being supported by the first support portion 25A and the second support portion 25B. Further, the first electrode 22 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction by being supported by the first support portion 25A and the second support portion 25B. Specifically, the first intermediate portion 22C of the first electrode 22 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction.
Accordingly, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 passes between the first electrode 22 and the bottom surface 25E, and flows toward the discharge port 25F.
2.5.2 Third Support Portion and Fourth Support Portion
As depicted in
In this embodiment, the third support portion 25C supports the one end 24A of the second electrode 24 in the first direction. Further, the fourth support portion 25D supports the other end 24B of the second electrode 24 in the first direction. The third support portion 25C may not support the one end 24A of the second electrode 24 in the first direction, and the fourth support portion 25D may not support the other end 24B of the second electrode 24 in the first direction. The third support portion 25C may support a portion (first portion) of the second electrode 24 in the first direction, and the fourth support portion 25D may support a portion (second portion) of the second electrode 24 in the first direction that is positioned apart from the third support portion 25C.
The third support portion 25C extends from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. Further, the third support portion 25C extends in the first direction. The third support portion 25C may not extend from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. The third support portion 25C may extend from the first side surface S1 of the holding groove 25 in the first direction.
The fourth support portion 25D is positioned apart from the third support portion 25C in the first direction. Similar to the third support portion 25C, the fourth support portion 25D extends from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. Further, the fourth support portion 25D extends in the first direction. The fourth support portion 25D may not extend from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction. The fourth support portion 25D may extend from the second side surface S2 of the holding groove 25 in the first direction.
The second electrode 24 is positioned between each of the second nozzles 23 and the bottom surface 25E of the holding groove 25 in the second direction by being supported by the third support portion 25C and the fourth support portion 25D. Further, the second electrode 24 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction by being supported by the third support portion 25C and the fourth support portion 25D. Specifically, the second intermediate portion 24C of the second electrode 24 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E in the second direction.
Accordingly, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 passes between the second electrode 24 and the bottom surface 25E, and flows toward the discharge port 25F.
A distance D4 between the second intermediate portion 24C of the second electrode 24 and the bottom surface 25E in the second direction is longer than a distance D3 between the first intermediate portion 22C of the first electrode 22 and the bottom surface 25E in the second direction (see
2.5.3 Bottom Surface
As depicted in
As depicted in
More specifically, as depicted in
The first inclined portion 251 is positioned between the second inclined portion 252 and the third inclined portion 253 in the first direction. The first inclined portion 251 inclines downward in the third direction from the first electrode 22 toward the container 26.
The second inclined portion 252 is connected to the first inclined portion 251. The second inclined portion 252 inclines downward in the first direction toward the first inclined portion 251. The second inclined portion 252 inclines downward in the first direction from the one end 24A toward the other end 24B of the second electrode 24.
The third inclined portion 253 is connected to the first inclined portion 251. The third inclined portion 253 inclines downward in the first direction toward the first inclined portion 251. The third inclined portion 253 inclines downward in the first direction from the other end 24B toward the one end 24A of the second electrode 24.
2.5.4 Discharge Port 25F
As depicted in
Specifically, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 can be collected toward the discharge port 25F by the first inclined portion 251, the second inclined portion 252 and the third inclined portion 253. The collected fixing solution flows into the discharge port 25F.
The discharge port 25F is positioned at a center portion of the holding groove 25 in the first direction. The discharge port 25F is positioned apart from the first electrode 22 in the third direction. The discharge port 25F is positioned on an opposite side of the first electrode 22 with respect to the second electrode 24 in the third direction. The discharge port 25F is positioned closer to the outlet 5B than the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 in the third direction. Further, the discharge port 25F is positioned on an opposite side of the photosensitive drum 6 (see
2.6 Container
As depicted in
2.7 Rib
As depicted in
A distance D5 between the first nozzles 21 and the rib 27 in the second direction is shorter than the distance D1 between the first nozzles 21 and the first electrode 22 in the second direction. The distance D5 between first nozzles 21 and the rib 27 in the second direction is shorter than the distance D2 between the second nozzles 23 and the second electrode 24 in the second direction.
Thus, the rib 27 can guide the print medium S between the first nozzles 21 and the first electrode 22 in the second direction, and between the second nozzles 23 and the second electrode 24 in the second direction.
As depicted in
The edges of the ribs 27 are chamfered.
2.8 Heater
As depicted in
3. Operation and Effect
As depicted in
Thus, the fixing solution sprayed from the first nozzles 21 can be guided into the holding groove 25 by the first electrode 22 and held in the holding groove 25.
Further, as depicted in
Specifically, the first electrode 22 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E by being supported by the first support portion 25A and the second support portion 25B.
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 can flow toward the discharge port 25F through the space between the first electrode 22 and the bottom surface 25E, and can be contained in the container 26 via the discharge port 25F.
This makes it possible to recover or collect the fixing solution sprayed from first nozzles 21.
Further, in the fixing apparatus 5, the holding groove 25 has the discharge port 25F, and the container 26 is connected to the discharge port 25F, as depicted in
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 can be collected in the container 26 via the discharge port 25F.
Further, in the fixing apparatus 5, the bottom surface 25E inclines downward in the third direction from the first electrode 22 toward the container 26.
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 is allowed to flow to the container 26 by gravitational force.
Further, in the fixing apparatus 5, the bottom surface 25E inclines downward in the first direction from the one end 24A toward the other end 24B of the second electrode 24, and inclines downward from the other end 24B toward the one end 24A of the second electrode 24 in the first direction.
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 can be collected toward the center portion in the first direction.
As depicted in
Thus, the fixing solution sprayed from the second nozzles 23 is also guided into the holding groove 25 by the second electrode 24, and held in the holding groove 25.
In the fixing apparatus 5, the second electrode 24 is positioned apart from the bottom surface 25E by being supported by the third support portion 25C and the fourth support portion 25D, as depicted in
Thus, the fixing solution held in the holding groove 25 can flow between the second electrode 24 and the bottom surface 25E.
As depicted in
As a result, the print medium can be stably conveyed in the third direction.
Further, as depicted in
Thus, the print medium S can be guided between the first nozzles 21 and the first electrode 22 in the second direction by use of the rib(s) 27.
According to the fixing apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, the fixing solution sprayed from the nozzles can be recovered or collected.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2018-068352 | Mar 2018 | JP | national |
This application is a Continuation Application of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/047487 claiming the conventional priority of Japanese patent Application No. 2018-068352 filed on Mar. 30, 2018, and titled “FIXER AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE”. The disclosures of Japanese patent Application No. 2018-068352 and International Application No. PCT/JP2018/047487 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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20080069612 | Nakamura | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20110222924 | Aoyama et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20180217543 | Kakigahara | Aug 2018 | A1 |
20190055665 | Banik, II | Feb 2019 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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2005-315947 | Nov 2005 | JP |
2008-65190 | Mar 2008 | JP |
2011-186235 | Sep 2011 | JP |
2012-159631 | Aug 2012 | JP |
2017-68098 | Apr 2017 | JP |
2017-68103 | Apr 2017 | JP |
Entry |
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International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/JP2018/047487 dated Feb. 26, 2019 5 pages. |
Written Opinion issued in corresponding International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/047487, dated Feb. 26, 2019. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20210011407 A1 | Jan 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP2018/047487 | Dec 2018 | US |
Child | 17032459 | US |