JP2021173870A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the sheet from entering the atomizing apparatus before the spraying state of the fixer becomes stable. An image forming apparatus 1 includes a photosensitive drum 4, a developing apparatus 7, a transfer apparatus 8, a spraying apparatus 9, a temperature sensor, and a control apparatus. The developing device 7 supplies toner on the photosensitive drum 4. The transfer device 8 transfers the toner supplied on the photosensitive drum 4 to the sheet S. The spraying device 9 sprays the fixer onto the sheet S on which the toner is transferred. The fixer fixes the toner on the sheet S. The control device controls the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed and the timing at which the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a spraying apparatus. The developing device supplies toner onto the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner supplied on the photosensitive drum to the sheet. The spraying device sprays the fixer onto the sheet to which the toner has been transferred. The fixer fixes the toner on the sheet (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP-A-2017-167242

In an image forming apparatus as described in Patent Document 1 described above, the viscosity of the fixer changes depending on the temperature of the fixer. When the viscosity of the fixer changes, the time it takes for the fixer to stabilize in a sprayed state changes.

If the fixer has an excessively high viscosity, it takes a long time to start spraying, so that the sheet may enter the spraying device before the spraying state of the fixer stabilizes.

Further, if the viscosity of the fixer is excessively low, the time from the start of spraying until the spray state stabilizes becomes long, so that the sheet may enter the spray device before the spray state of the fixer stabilizes. There is sex.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the sheet from entering the spraying apparatus before the spraying state of the fixer stabilizes.

(1) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, a spraying apparatus, a temperature sensor, and a control apparatus.

The developing device supplies toner onto the photosensitive drum.

The transfer device transfers the toner supplied on the photosensitive drum to the sheet.

The spraying device sprays the fixer onto the sheet to which the toner has been transferred. The fixer fixes the toner on the sheet.

The control device controls the timing at which the sheet transfer is started and the timing at which the spray device starts spraying the fixer based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

According to such a configuration, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the timing at which the sheet is started to be conveyed so that the sheet enters the spray device after the spray state of the fixer is stabilized, and the spray device is the fixer. You can control when to start spraying.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the sheet from entering the spraying device before the spraying state of the fixer stabilizes.

(2) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the control device transfers the sheet at the first transfer timing, which is later than the timing at which the spray device starts spraying the fixer. You may start.

(3) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the control device may start the sheet transfer at the second transfer timing later than the first transfer timing.

(4) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature, the control device may start the sheet transfer at the third transfer timing later than the first transfer timing.

(5) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, the control device starts the sheet transfer at the second transfer timing later than the first transfer timing, and the temperature sensor detects it. When the temperature is higher than the third temperature, the sheet may be transferred at a fourth transfer timing later than the second transfer timing.

(6) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature and lower than the first temperature, the control device starts the sheet transfer at the third transfer timing later than the first transfer timing, and the temperature sensor detects it. When the temperature is lower than the fourth temperature, the sheet may be transferred at a fifth transfer timing later than the third transfer timing.

(7) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the control device sprays the fixer on the spray device at the first spray timing, which is later than the timing at which the sheet transfer is started. You may start it.

(8) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the control device may cause the spray device to start spraying the fixer at a second spray timing earlier than the first spray timing.

(9) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature, the control device may cause the spray device to start spraying the fixer at a third spray timing earlier than the first spray timing.

(10) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the control device may cause the spray device to start spraying the fixer at the fourth spray timing, which is earlier than the timing at which the sheet transfer is started. good.

(11) When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature, the control device may cause the spraying device to start spraying the fixer at the fifth spraying timing, which is earlier than the timing at which the sheet transfer is started. good.

(12) The image forming apparatus may further include a seat accommodating portion and a pickup roller. The sheet accommodating portion can accommodate the sheet transported toward the photosensitive drum. The pickup roller picks up the seat in the seat accommodating portion. The control device may drive the pickup roller so as to pick up the seat in the seat accommodating portion at the timing of starting the transfer of the seat.

(13) The image forming apparatus may further include a seat accommodating portion, a pickup roller, and a transport roller. The transfer roller is located downstream of the pickup roller in the sheet transfer direction. The transport roller transports the sheet toward the photosensitive drum. The control device may drive the transfer roller so as to transfer the sheet toward the photosensitive drum at the timing of starting the transfer of the sheet.

(14) The control device may have a memory. The memory stores a data table that associates the temperature detected by the temperature sensor with the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the stabilization of the spray state of the fixer.

(15) The memory may store a data table in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is associated with the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the start of transporting the sheet.

(16) The spraying device may have a nozzle, a nozzle electrode, and a counter electrode. The nozzle sprays the fixer. The nozzle electrode charges the fixer supplied to the nozzle. The counter electrodes face the nozzle at intervals.

(17) The temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the fixer supplied to the nozzle.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the sheet from entering the spraying apparatus before the spraying state of the fixer is stabilized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing a spraying device and a supply device for supplying a fixing solution to the spraying device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining control between the timing at which the sheet transfer is started and the timing at which the spraying device starts spraying the fixer, and shows the flowchart of the first embodiment. FIG. 4A shows the data table of the second embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a flowchart of the second embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the data table of the third embodiment. FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of the third embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a data table of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the fourth embodiment.

1. 1. Schematic of the image forming apparatus 1 The outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 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 spraying device 9.

1.1 Main body housing 2
The main body housing 2 houses 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 spraying device 9.

1.2 Sheet supply unit 3
The sheet supply unit 3 supplies the sheet S to the photosensitive drum 4. The seat supply unit 3 includes a seat accommodating unit 31, a pickup roller 32, and a transfer roller 33. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a seat accommodating portion 31, a pickup roller 32, and a transport roller 33.

The seat accommodating portion 31 can accommodate the seat S. Sheet S is, for example, printing paper. The sheet S is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 4. The seat accommodating portion 31 may be a seat cassette.

The pickup roller 32 picks up the seat S in the seat accommodating portion 31. The sheet S picked up by the pickup roller 32 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 33.

The transport roller 33 is a resist roller. The transfer roller 33 is located downstream of the pickup roller 32 in the transfer direction of the seat S. The transport roller 33 temporarily stops the sheet S transported from the sheet accommodating portion 31 toward the photosensitive drum 4, and then transports the sheet S toward the photosensitive drum 4 at a predetermined timing.

1.3 Photosensitive drum 4
The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatable about the drum shaft A1. The photosensitive drum 4 extends along the drum axis A1. The drum shaft A1 extends in the axial direction. The photosensitive drum 4 has a cylindrical shape.

1.4 Charging device 5
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.

1.5 Exposure device 6
The exposure apparatus 6 can expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. When the exposure device 6 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 while the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is charged by the charging device 5, 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 Developer 7
The developing device 7 supplies toner onto the photosensitive drum 4. The developing device 7 may be detachable from the main body housing 2. The developing device 7 has a developing housing 71 and a developing roller 72.

1.6.1 Development housing 71
The developing housing 71 can accommodate toner. In other words, the developing device 7 can contain 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.

1.6.2 Development roller 72
The developing roller 72 can supply the toner in the developing housing 71 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The developing roller 72 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. The developing roller 72 does not have to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. The developing roller 72 is rotatable about the developing shaft A2. The development axis A2 extends in the axial direction. The developing roller 72 extends along the developing axis A2. The developing roller 72 has a cylindrical shape.

1.7 Transfer device 8
The transfer device 8 transfers the toner supplied on the photosensitive drum 4 to 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 roller is rotatable about the transfer shaft A3. The transfer shaft A3 extends in the axial direction. The transfer roller extends along the transfer axis A3. The transfer roller has a cylindrical shape. The transfer device 8 may be a belt unit including a transfer belt.

1.8 Spraying device 9
The spray device 9 is located away from the photosensitive drum 4 in the first direction. The first direction intersects the axial direction. Preferably, the first direction is orthogonal to the axial direction. The spraying device 9 sprays the fixer onto the sheet S on which the toner is transferred. The fixer fixes the toner on the sheet S. The fixer can soften the binder resin of the toner. The fixing liquid is, for example, an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid ester, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester, a carbonic acid ester, or the like.

The spray device 9 sprays the fixer by electrostatic spraying. The spraying device 9 includes a housing 91, a plurality of nozzles 92, a nozzle electrode 93, and a counter electrode 94.

The housing 91 can accommodate the fixer.

The plurality of nozzles 92 extend in the second direction from the housing 91. The second direction intersects the axial direction and the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the axial direction and the first direction. The plurality of nozzles 92 extend from the housing 91 toward the counter electrode 94 in the second direction. In other words, the plurality of nozzles 92 extend from the housing 91 toward the counter electrode 94 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 92 extend downward from the housing 91. Each of the plurality of nozzles 92 communicates with the internal space of the housing 91. Each of the plurality of nozzles 92 sprays the fixer in the housing 91.

The nozzle electrode 93 is located inside the housing 91. A voltage is applied to the nozzle electrode 93. The nozzle electrode 93 charges the fixer in the housing 91. In other words, the nozzle electrode 93 charges the fixers supplied to the plurality of nozzles 92.

The counter electrode 94 faces the plurality of nozzles 92 at intervals in the second direction. The counter electrode 94 is located on the opposite side of the nozzle electrodes 93 with respect to the plurality of nozzles 92. A voltage is applied to the counter electrode 94. The counter electrode 94 attracts the fixer sprayed from each of the plurality of nozzles 92 by electrostatic force.

The sheet S to which the toner is transferred passes between the plurality of nozzles 92 and the counter electrode 94. At this time, the fixer is sprayed onto the sheet S from each of the plurality of nozzles 92. The sheet S sprayed with the fixer is discharged to the upper surface of the main body housing 2.

2. Details of the Image Forming Device 1 The details of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a supply device 11, a temperature sensor 12, and a control device 13.

2.1 Supply device 11
The supply device 11 supplies the fixer to the housing 91. The supply device 11 includes a supply tank 111, a supply pipe 112, a supply pump 113, and a supply valve 114.

2.1.1 Supply tank 111
The supply tank 111 accommodates the fixer supplied to the housing 91.

2.1.2 Supply pipe 112
One end of the supply pipe 112 is connected to the supply tank 111. The other end of the supply pipe 112 is connected to the housing 91. The fixer in the supply tank 111 is sent to the housing 91 through the supply pipe 112. That is, the supply pipe 112 allows the fixer to pass through the supply tank 111. The housing 91 can accommodate the fixer that has passed through the supply pipe 112.

2.1.3 Supply pump 113
The supply pump 113 sends the fixer from the supply tank 111 to the housing 91. The supply pump 113 sends the fixer in the supply pipe 112 toward the housing 91. The supply pump 113 is located between one end of the supply pipe 112 and the other end of the supply pipe 112. The supply pump 113 is located between the supply tank 111 and the housing 91. Specifically, the supply pump 113 is a gear pump.

2.1.4 Supply valve 114
The supply valve 114 suppresses the fixer in the supply tank 111 from passing through the supply pipe 112 and being sent to the housing 91. The supply valve 114 is located between one end of the supply pipe 112 and the other end of the supply pipe 112. The supply valve 114 is located between the supply tank 111 and the housing 91. The supply valve 114 is located between the supply pump 113 and the housing 91. When the supply pump 113 is driven with the supply valve 114 open, the fixer in the supply tank 111 passes through the supply valve 114 and is sent to the housing 91. On the other hand, when the supply valve 114 is closed, the fixer in the supply tank 111 cannot pass through the supply valve 114. As a result, the supply valve 114 suppresses the fixer in the supply tank 111 from passing through the supply pipe 112 and being sent to the housing 91. The supply valve 114 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

2.2 Temperature sensor 12
The temperature sensor 12 is located inside the main body housing 2. The temperature sensor 12 is located in the vicinity of the spray device 9. The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature in the vicinity of the spray device 9. The temperature sensor 12 transmits a signal according to the detected temperature.

2.3 Control device 13
The control device 13 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 12. The control device 13 can receive the signal transmitted by the temperature sensor 12.

The control device 13 is electrically connected to the supply pump 113, the supply valve 114, the nozzle electrode 93, and the counter electrode 94. The control device 13 controls the operation of the supply pump 113. The control device 13 controls the opening and closing of the supply valve 114. The control device 13 controls the voltage applied to the nozzle electrode 93. The control device 13 controls the voltage applied to the counter electrode 94. The control device 13 controls the operation of the supply pump 113, the opening and closing of the supply valve 114, the voltage applied to the nozzle electrode 93, and the voltage applied to the counter electrode 94, thereby spraying the fixer by the spray device 9. To control.

The control device 13 has a CPU (central processing unit) 131 and a memory 132. The memory 132 stores, for example, a data table that associates the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 with the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the stabilization of the sprayed state of the fixer. The time from the start of spraying the fixer to the stabilization of the fixer spray state is defined as the spray stabilization time. The spraying of the fixer may be started when the supply valve 114 is opened and the supply of the fixer to the housing 91 is started. Further, the spraying of the fixer may be started when the application of the voltage to the nozzle electrode 93 is started. The sprayed state of the fixer can be determined to be stable, for example, when the fluctuation of the current flowing through the nozzle electrode 93 is within a predetermined range.

Further, the memory 132 stores the time from the start of transporting the sheet S to the time when the tip of the sheet S reaches the inlet of the spraying device 9. The time from the start of transporting the sheet S to the arrival of the tip of the sheet S at the inlet of the spraying device 9 is defined as the transport time. In the present embodiment, the transport time is the time from when the pickup roller 32 is driven until the tip of the sheet S reaches the inlet of the spray device 9. That is, in the present embodiment, the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 so as to pick up the seat in the seat accommodating portion 31 at the timing when the transfer of the seat S is started.

3. 3. Control of the image forming apparatus 1 Next, a first embodiment of the control of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The control device 13 controls the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed and the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12.

Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job, the control apparatus 13 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 (S1).

Next, the CPU 131 of the control device 13 refers to the data table of the memory 132 and acquires the spray stabilization time corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 (S2).

For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the CPU 131 of the control device 13 acquires the first spray stabilization time from the data table of the memory 132.

Further, for example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the CPU 131 of the control device 13 acquires the second spray stabilization time from the data table of the memory 132. The second spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

Further, for example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower than the first temperature, the CPU 131 of the control device 13 acquires the third spray stabilization time from the data table of the memory 132. The third spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

Next, the control device 13 compares the spray stabilization time with the transport time (S3).

3.1 When the spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, and the first spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time ( S3: YES), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S6) after the first predetermined time has elapsed after the spraying device 9 has started spraying the fixing liquid (S4) (S5: YES). ). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, and the first spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time, the control device 13 uses the spray device 9 to fix the fixer. The transfer of the sheet S is started at the first transfer timing, which is later than the timing at which the spraying of the sheet S is started.

The first transport timing is a timing at which a first predetermined time has elapsed after the spray device 9 started spraying the fixer. The first predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the transport time from the first spray stabilization time.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature and the second spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time (S3: YES), the control device 13 sends the fixer to the spray device 9. After the second predetermined time has elapsed after the start of spraying (S4) (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature and the second spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time, the control device 13 determines the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer. The transfer of the sheet S is started at the second transfer timing later than that.

The second transport timing is a timing at which a second predetermined time has elapsed after the spray device 9 started spraying the fixer. The second predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the transport time from the second spray stabilization time. Since the second spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. Therefore, the second transfer timing is later than the first transfer timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower than the first temperature and the third spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time (S3: YES), the control device 13 sends the fixer to the spray device 9. After the spraying is started (S4) and the third predetermined time elapses (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower than the first temperature and the third spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time, the control device 13 determines the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer. The transfer of the sheet S is started at the third transfer timing later than that.

The third transfer timing is a timing at which a third predetermined time has elapsed after the spray device 9 started spraying the fixer. The third predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the transport time from the third spray stabilization time. Since the third spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time, the third predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. Therefore, the third transfer timing is later than the first transfer timing.

3.2 When the spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, and the first spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time (S3: NO), the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixing liquid (S9) after the first predetermined time has elapsed after driving the pickup roller 32 (S7) (S7). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, and the first spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time, the control device 13 starts transporting the sheet S. The spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer at the first spraying timing, which is later than the timing at which the fixing liquid is sprayed.

The first spray timing is a timing at which a first predetermined time elapses after the pickup roller 32 is driven. The first predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the first spray stabilization time from the transport time.

Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature and the second spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time (S3: NO), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32. After (S7), after the second predetermined time has elapsed (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature and the second spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time, the control device 13 is later than the timing to start transporting the sheet S. 2 At the spraying timing, the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixing liquid.

The second spray timing is a timing at which a second predetermined time elapses after the pickup roller 32 is driven. The second predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the second spray stabilization time from the transport time. Since the second spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time, the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time. Therefore, the second spray timing is earlier than the first spray timing.

Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower than the first temperature and the third spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time (S3: NO), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32. After (S7), after the third predetermined time has elapsed (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is less than the first temperature and the third spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time, the control device 13 is later than the timing to start transporting the sheet S. 3 At the spraying timing, the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer.

The third spray timing is a timing at which a third predetermined time elapses after the pickup roller 32 is driven. The third predetermined time is obtained, for example, by subtracting the third spray stabilization time from the transport time. Since the third spray stabilization time is longer than the first spray stabilization time, the third predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time. Therefore, the third spray timing is earlier than the first spray timing.

4. Action effect According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the sheet S enters the spraying device 9 after the spray state of the fixer is stabilized based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12. It is possible to control the timing at which the transfer of the fixing liquid is started and the timing at which the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer.

Specifically, the second spray stabilization time when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is the second temperature or higher is the second when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is the first temperature or higher and lower than the second temperature. It becomes longer than the spray stabilization time of 1.

Therefore, when the first spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time, the control device 13 delays the timing of starting the transport of the sheet S when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 becomes the second temperature or higher. ..

As a result, the timing at which the sheet S enters the spray device 9 can be delayed in accordance with the second spray stabilization time, which is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

When the first spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time, the control device 13 starts spraying the fixer when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 becomes the second temperature or higher. Advance the timing.

As a result, the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer can be advanced in accordance with the second spray stabilization time, which is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

Further, the third spray stabilization time when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower than the first temperature is the first spray when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or more than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. It will be longer than the stabilization time.

Therefore, when the first spray stabilization time is longer than the transport time, the control device 13 delays the timing of starting the transport of the sheet S when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 becomes lower than the first temperature.

As a result, the timing at which the sheet S enters the spray device 9 can be delayed in accordance with the third spray stabilization time, which is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

When the first spray stabilization time is shorter than the transport time, the control device 13 starts spraying the fixer when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 becomes lower than the first temperature. Advance the timing.

As a result, the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer can be accelerated in accordance with the third spray stabilization time, which is longer than the first spray stabilization time.

In summary, the timing at which the sheet S enters the spraying device 9 or the timing at which the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer can be controlled according to the spray stabilization time that changes depending on the temperature.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the sheet S from entering the spraying device 9 before the spraying state of the fixer stabilizes.

5. Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the second embodiment, the same members and treatments as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the memory 132 stores a data table that associates the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 with the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the start of transporting the sheet S. Regarding the numerical value of the temperature in FIG. 4A, "0 to 5" indicates 0 ° C. or higher and lower than 5 ° C., and "5 to 10" indicates 5 ° C. or higher and lower than 10 ° C., and "10 to 10". "15" indicates 10 ° C. or higher and lower than 15 ° C., "15 to 20" indicates 15 ° C. or higher and lower than 20 ° C., and "20 to 25" indicates 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 25 ° C. , "25 to 30" means 25 ° C. or higher and lower than 30 ° C., and "30 to 35" means 30 ° C. or higher and lower than 35 ° C.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control device 13 starts the transfer of the sheet S after the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer (S4) (S6).

Specifically, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 15 ° C. or higher and lower than 20 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixer (S4). Then, after 100 milliseconds (see FIG. 4A) have elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature (15 ° C.) and lower than the second temperature (20 ° C.), the control device 13 has a timing when the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer. At the first transfer timing, which is 100 milliseconds later, the transfer of the sheet S is started.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 25 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 starts spraying the fixer on the spraying device 9 (S4) for 500 milliseconds. After (see FIG. 4A) has elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature (20 ° C.) and lower than the third temperature (25 ° C.), the control device 13 has a timing higher than the timing at which the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer. The transfer of the sheet S is started at the second transfer timing, which is 500 milliseconds later. The second transfer timing is 400 milliseconds later than the first transfer timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 10 ° C. or higher and lower than 15 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 starts spraying the fixer on the spraying device 9 (S4) for 300 milliseconds. After (see FIG. 4A) has elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature (10 ° C.) and lower than the first temperature (15 ° C.), the control device 13 has a timing higher than the timing at which the spraying device 9 starts spraying the fixer. The transfer of the sheet S is started at the third transfer timing, which is 300 milliseconds later. The third transfer timing is 200 milliseconds later than the first transfer timing.

Further, the higher the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12, the more the control device 13 delays the timing of starting the transfer of the sheet S from the timing of starting the spraying device 9 to spray the fixer.

Specifically, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 25 ° C. or higher and lower than 30 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixer (S4). Then, after 1000 milliseconds (see FIG. 4A) have elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the third temperature (25 ° C.), the control device 13 is at the fourth transfer timing, which is 1000 milliseconds later than the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer. , The transfer of the sheet S is started. The fourth transfer timing is 500 milliseconds later than the second transfer timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 30 ° C. or higher and lower than 35 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 starts spraying the fixing liquid on the spraying device 9 (S4), and then 2000 milliseconds. After (see FIG. 4A) has elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6).

Further, as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is lower, the control device 13 delays the timing of starting the transfer of the sheet S from the timing of starting the spraying device 9 to spray the fixer.

Specifically, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 5 ° C. or higher and lower than 10 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixer (S4). After that, after 600 milliseconds (see FIG. 4A) have elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is less than the fourth temperature (10 ° C.), the control device 13 is at the fifth transfer timing, which is 600 milliseconds later than the timing at which the spray device 9 starts spraying the fixer. , The transfer of the sheet S is started. The fifth transfer timing is 300 milliseconds later than the third transfer timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 0 ° C. or higher and lower than 5 ° C. (see FIG. 4A), the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixer (S4), and then 1200. After milliseconds (see FIG. 4A) have elapsed (S5: YES), the pickup roller 32 is driven (S6).

Also in the second embodiment, the same action and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

6. Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In the third embodiment, the same members and treatments as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the memory 132 may store a data table in which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is associated with the time from the start of transporting the sheet S to the start of spraying the fixer.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixing liquid after starting the transport of the sheet S (S7) (S9).

Specifically, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 15 ° C. or higher and lower than 20 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 2000 milliseconds. After (see FIG. 5A) has elapsed (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature (15 ° C.) and lower than the second temperature (20 ° C.), the control device 13 takes 2000 milliseconds from the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed. At the late first spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 25 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 1600 milliseconds (see FIG. 5A). (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature (20 ° C.) and lower than the third temperature (25 ° C.), the control device 13 is 1600 milliseconds later than the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed. At the second spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer. The second spray timing is 400 milliseconds earlier than the first spray timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 10 ° C. or higher and lower than 15 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) and then 1800 milliseconds (see FIG. 5A). (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature (10 ° C.) and lower than the first temperature (15 ° C.), the control device 13 is 1800 milliseconds later than the timing to start the transfer of the sheet S. At the third spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer. The third spray timing is 200 milliseconds earlier than the first spray timing.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 25 ° C. or higher and lower than 30 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 1100 milliseconds (FIG. 5A). After that (see) has elapsed (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9).

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 30 ° C. or higher and lower than 35 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 100 milliseconds (see FIG. 5A). (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9).

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 5 ° C. or higher and lower than 10 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 1500 milliseconds (see FIG. 5A). (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9).

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 0 ° C. or higher and lower than 5 ° C. (see FIG. 5A), the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S7) for 900 milliseconds (see FIG. 5A). (S8: YES), the spraying device 9 is started to spray the fixer (S9).

Also in the third embodiment, the same action and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

7. Fourth Embodiment Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the fourth embodiment, the same members and treatments as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The memory 132 may store a data table that associates the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 with whether to start spraying the fixer or transporting the sheet S earlier.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the memory 132 has the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 and the time from the start of transporting the sheet S to the start of spraying the fixer, or from the start of spraying the fixer to the transport of the sheet S. A data table associated with the time to start may be stored.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 13 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 (S1), and then refers to the data table to accelerate either the spraying of the fixer or the transfer of the sheet S. The time from the start of transporting the sheet S to the start of spraying the fixer, or the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the start of transporting the sheet S is acquired (S2).

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 15 ° C. or higher and lower than 20 ° C. (see FIG. 6), the control device 13 determines that the transfer of the sheet S starts earlier than the spraying of the fixer (S10: NO). ). In this case, the control device 13 causes the spraying device 9 to start spraying the fixer after 100 milliseconds (see FIG. 6) have elapsed after driving the pickup roller 32 (S7) (see FIG. 6) (S8: YES). S9). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the first temperature (15 ° C.) and lower than the second temperature (20 ° C.), the control device 13 takes 100 milliseconds from the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed. At the late first spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 25 ° C. (see FIG. 6), the control device 13 determines that the spraying of the fixer starts earlier than the transfer of the sheet S (S10: YES). ). In this case, the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S5: YES) after 500 milliseconds (see FIG. 6) have elapsed after the spraying device 9 has started spraying the fixer (S4) (see FIG. 6). S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the second temperature (20 ° C.) and lower than the third temperature (25 ° C.), the control device 13 is 500 milliseconds earlier than the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed. At the fourth spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is 10 ° C. or higher and lower than 15 ° C. (see FIG. 6), the control device 13 determines that the spraying of the fixer starts earlier than the transfer of the sheet S (S10: YES). ). In this case, the control device 13 drives the pickup roller 32 (S5: YES) after 300 milliseconds (see FIG. 6) have elapsed after the spraying device 9 has started spraying the fixing liquid (S4) (see FIG. 6). S6). That is, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature (10 ° C.) and lower than the first temperature (15 ° C.), the control device 13 is 300 milliseconds earlier than the timing at which the sheet S is started to be conveyed. At the fifth spray timing, the spray device 9 is started to spray the fixer.

According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether to start spraying the fixer or transporting the sheet S earlier without comparing the spray stabilization time and the transport time.

Further, also in the fourth embodiment, the same action and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

8. Modification example Next, a modification will be described. In the modified example, the members described in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(1) The temperature sensor 12 may detect the temperature of the fixer supplied to the nozzle 92. Specifically, the temperature sensor 12 may be attached to the housing 91 and detect the temperature of the fixer in the housing 91. Further, the temperature sensor 12 may detect the temperature outside the main body housing 2.

(2) The transport time may be the time from when the transport roller 33 is driven until the tip of the sheet S reaches the inlet of the spray device 9. That is, the control device 13 may drive the transfer roller 33 so as to transfer the sheet S toward the photosensitive drum 4 at the timing when the transfer of the sheet S is started.

(3) The temperature range detected by the temperature sensor 12 may be higher than the lower limit value and lower than the upper limit value. For example, "above the first temperature and below the second temperature" in the above-described embodiment may be "higher than the first temperature and below the second temperature". In this case, "less than the first temperature" may be "below the first temperature", and "above the second temperature" may be "higher than the second temperature".

(4) Even in the modified examples described in (1) to (3), the same action and effect as those in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

1 Image forming device 4 Photosensitive drum 7 Developing device 8 Transfer device 9 Spraying device 12 Temperature sensor 13 Control device 31 Sheet housing 32 Pickup roller 33 Conveying roller 92 Nozzle 93 Nozzle electrode 94 Opposite electrode 132 Memory S sheet

Claims (17)

Photosensitive drum and
A developing device that supplies toner onto the photosensitive drum, and
A transfer device that transfers the toner supplied onto the photosensitive drum to a sheet, and
A spraying device that sprays a fixing solution for fixing the toner on the sheet onto the sheet to which the toner is transferred, and a spraying device.
With the temperature sensor
A control device that controls the timing at which the sheet is started to be conveyed and the timing at which the spray device starts spraying the fixer based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
An image forming apparatus comprising. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the sheet transfer is started at a first transfer timing later than the timing at which the spray device starts spraying the fixer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control device is
The second aspect of claim 2, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the sheet is transferred at a second transfer timing later than the first transfer timing. Image forming device. The control device is
2. The image forming apparatus according to 3. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, the sheet is transferred at a second transfer timing later than the first transfer timing.
The second aspect of the present invention, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the third temperature, the sheet is started to be conveyed at a fourth transfer timing later than the second transfer timing. Image forming device. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature and lower than the first temperature, the sheet is transferred at a third transfer timing later than the first transfer timing.
2. The image forming apparatus according to 5. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the spraying device is to start spraying the fixer at a first spraying timing later than the timing at which the sheet is started to be conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the spray device is started to spray the fixer at a second spray timing earlier than the first spray timing. Item 7. The image forming apparatus according to item 7. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature, the spray device is started to spray the fixer at a third spray timing earlier than the first spray timing. Item 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the second temperature, the spraying device is characterized by starting the spraying of the fixer at a fourth spraying timing earlier than the timing at which the sheet is started to be conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The control device is
When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature, the spraying device is characterized by starting the spraying of the fixer at the fifth spraying timing, which is earlier than the timing at which the sheet is started to be conveyed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 10. A sheet accommodating portion capable of accommodating the sheet conveyed toward the photosensitive drum, and a sheet accommodating portion.
A pickup roller for picking up the seat in the seat accommodating portion is further provided.
The control device is
The image according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the pickup roller is driven so as to pick up the sheet in the seat accommodating portion at the timing of starting the transport of the sheet. Forming device. A sheet accommodating portion for accommodating the sheet conveyed toward the photosensitive drum, and
A pickup roller that picks up the seat in the seat accommodating portion, and
A transport roller located downstream of the pickup roller in the transport direction of the sheet and transporting the sheet toward the photosensitive drum is further provided.
The control device is
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the transport roller is driven so as to transport the sheet toward the photosensitive drum at the timing of starting the transfer of the sheet. Image forming device. The control device is
The first aspect of the present invention is to have a memory in which a data table relating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the stabilization of the spray state of the fixer is stored. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13. The control device is
Claims 1 to 13 include a memory in which a data table relating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the time from the start of spraying the fixer to the start of transporting the sheet is stored. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The spraying device
A nozzle that sprays the fixer and
A nozzle electrode that charges the fixer supplied to the nozzle, and
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising counter electrodes facing the nozzle at intervals. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the fixer supplied to the nozzle.

Images