JP3016685B2 - Laser fixing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser fixing device incorporated in a copying machine, various printers, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for irradiating a laser beam to an unfixed toner image formed on recording paper to generate heat. The present invention relates to a Carlson process laser fixing device for fixing a toner image on recording paper by using the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 20 shows a conventional laser fixing device.
(Referred to as “conventional example 1”). That is, the laser fixing device of the conventional example 1 has a single laser light source 103
The laser beam from the scanner is scanned in the lateral direction of the recording paper 105 by a rotating polyhedral mirror 102, and the laser beam is projected onto the recording paper 105 by an fθ lens or a condenser lens as a correction lens 104 for correcting aberrations caused by the deflection of the laser beam. And a mechanism for irradiating the entire area of the recording paper 105 with a converged laser beam by condensing the recording paper 105 in the vertical direction. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 101 denotes a photoconductor.

In the laser fixing device of the prior art 1 described above, since a movable part is required and aberration correction by deflection is required, the accuracy required for the optical system is high, and the cost of the device can be reduced. There was a limit to miniaturization.

Accordingly, a laser fixing device (referred to as "conventional example 2") as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-152472 has been proposed. The laser fixing device of the conventional example 2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 24, the semiconductor laser element 107 is disposed over the entire area of the recording paper 105 in the horizontal direction, and the deflection mechanism and the optical element for correcting aberration caused by deflection are omitted.

The details of the laser fixing device of the prior art 2 will be described below. FIG. 21 shows a peripheral portion of the laser fixing device including the photoconductor 106. FIG. 22 shows a laser fixing device, and FIGS. 23 and 24 show the arrangement of the semiconductor laser elements 107.

A substrate 108 having a plurality of semiconductor laser elements 107 arranged in a line is arranged at right angles to the conveying direction of the recording paper 105 and is inclined in a roof shape over substantially the entire width of the recording paper 105. And the substrate 10
The selfoc lens array 109 is arranged below the bottom surface 8 in a shape opposite to the inclination of the substrate 108. As a result, the laser beam output from the laser element 107 on the substrate 108 is linearly condensed and radiated to an appropriate position on the recording paper conveyance path via the SELFOC lens array 109, and the recording paper 105 is conveyed by the recording paper 105. The entire area is irradiated with a focused laser beam.

The above is the configuration, and the operation will be described next.
Recording paper 105 on which a toner image formed on the surface of photoconductor 106 at the transfer position of photoconductor 106 is transferred by a transfer device
Is transported along the transport path toward the fixing device. In the process, when a not-shown recording paper leading edge detecting device catches the leading edge of the recording paper 105, the detection signal is sent to the laser element 107 of the substrate 108. Then, a laser beam is output from the laser element 107.

[0008] The laser beam is condensed at an appropriate point on the transport path below the laser beam via the SELFOC lens array 109 to increase the intensity. The laser beam is simultaneously irradiated linearly over almost the entire width of the recording paper 105. The recording paper 105 is transported here. Then, the recording paper 105
Fixing is completed by melting the resin contained in the toner of the unfixed toner image formed on the surface with the laser beam irradiation heat energy. Then, the recording paper 105
When the fixing of the toner image to the laser element 107 is completed, the beam irradiation of the laser element 107 is temporarily stopped to prepare for the next fixing.

[0009]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Problems of Conventional Example 1 Since a movable part called a rotating polyhedral mirror 102 is required and aberration correction by deflection is required, the accuracy required for an optical system is high, and the cost and size of the apparatus are limited. was there.

Problems of Conventional Example 2 In general, each lens constituting the selfoc lens array 109 has an element diameter of usually 1 mm and an image forming range is narrow (several mm). It is necessary that the image be a 1: 1 magnification image. For this reason, for example, an A4 size (297 mm × 21
0 mm), and considering the high-output broad-area type as the semiconductor laser element 107, the width of the recording paper 105 is 210
mm, and the stripe width (approximately the near-field image width) of the laser element 107 is 50 to 500 μm. Therefore, the required number of laser elements is 4200 to 420 (210 mm / 50 μm).
２１０210 mm / 500 μm), which hindered cost reduction.

Although not described in the specification of Conventional Example 2, a light detecting element for monitoring the light output for each laser element 107 and the light intensity of the laser element 107 are controlled by a signal from the light detecting element. And a driving circuit are required, which also hinders cost reduction.

In addition to the cost, the efficiency of the current semiconductor laser device is about 25%, and the remaining supplied energy is heat. No description is made in the specification of the conventional example 2 about how to make electrical connection to the group of densely arranged laser elements 107.

Further, in the conventional example 2, if the laser element 107 breaks down, the area of the recording paper 105 to which the laser beam is irradiated becomes unfixed, so that the entire apparatus needs to be replaced.

Since the depth of focus of the SELFOC lens array 109 is as narrow as ± 0.8 mm, the diameter of the condensed beam may not be sufficiently narrowed due to lifting, bending, undulation, etc. of the recording paper 105, and there is a possibility that fixing defects may occur. Further, the effect of the difference in the absorptance of the laser beam due to the color of the toner on the fixability is not described in the specification of the prior art 2.

[0015]

According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of collection units having a magnification greater than 1 and arranged at a position where a laser beam can be irradiated on the entire area of a recording sheet by conveying the recording sheet. An optical system and a plurality of laser devices , wherein the laser device is a semiconductor laser,
The lens section corresponding to each semiconductor laser
A laser fixing device is provided, wherein a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser is condensed on recording paper by a lens array , thereby fixing unfixed toner.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of condensing optical systems and a plurality of light splitting / branching systems are arranged at positions where a laser beam can be irradiated on the entire area of the recording paper by conveying the recording paper. Comprising transmission means and a plurality of laser devices,
Optical branching / transmission means from an optical fiber having a branch portion
Becomes, the converging optical system is composed of a fiber lens, the laser beam emitted from the laser device an optical fiber
And then branch to the fiber lens at the branch
Further, there is provided a laser fixing device which is enlarged by a fiber lens and condensed on recording paper, thereby fixing unfixed toner.

[0017]

The number of laser devices can be reduced and the depth of focus can be increased by using a condensing optical system having a magnification greater than one. By using the light branching means, the number of laser devices can be reduced.

If a partial area of the recording paper is irradiated with laser beams from a plurality of laser devices so as to overlap with each other, 1
If one element fails, no problem occurs. By inclining the recording paper transport path or applying electrostatic force or air pressure to the recording paper transport path, it is possible to smooth the floating, bending, undulation, etc. of the recording paper.

A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the conveying path or the recording paper is provided. When the temperature detecting means is used, when the temperature of the conveying path or the recording paper is low, the laser intensity of the laser device is increased, or It can be controlled to reduce the speed.

A color detecting means for detecting the color of the toner on the recording paper is provided. When the color detecting means is used, the laser intensity of the laser device is increased or conveyed according to the difference in the laser beam absorptance depending on the color of the toner. It can be controlled to reduce the speed.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited by these.

Embodiment 1 FIGS. 1 to 3 show a laser fixing device L having a plurality of condensing optical systems having a magnification greater than 1 and a plurality of laser devices.
₁ shows an embodiment.

A photodiode (2) and a control circuit (not shown) for changing the laser light output in accordance with an input signal or for keeping the laser output constant in accordance with a signal from a monitoring photodiode 2 which is a light receiving element. A semiconductor laser device (chip) 1 is mounted on a monolithically formed silicon substrate 3, and an electrical connection is made between the laser device 1 and the silicon substrate 3 with a wire bond wire 4 or the like.

Next, a plurality of silicon substrates 3 with a laser element as this laser device are mounted on a ceramic substrate 6 and an electric connection is made between the surface electrode 5 of the ceramic substrate 6 and the electrode on the silicon substrate 3 by wire bonding or the like. Make a static connection. Finally, a lens holder 7 holding a heat radiating plate 9 and a plurality of convex lenses 8 as a plurality of condensing optical systems is attached to the ceramic substrate 6 on which the plurality of laser devices are arranged. Thus, the laser fixing device L1 according to the _first embodiment is manufactured.

[0025] a plurality of convex lenses 8 and the lens holder 7 in the laser fixing device L _1, rather than each convex lens 8 which are incorporated resin holder, etc., a lens with a resin - the lens holder integrally molded article or lens flat glass A lens array such as a flat microlens manufactured by ion exchange in a shape is more advantageous in terms of cost, process, and assembly accuracy.

Next, the operation will be described. The laser beam emitted from the laser element 1 is expanded by the convex lens 8 and irradiated on the entire area of the recording paper 10 by transporting the recording paper 10. The fixing is performed by melting the resin contained in the toner of the unfixed toner image formed on the paper surface of the recording paper 10 with the heat energy of the laser beam irradiation.

Considering that the magnification of the convex lens 8 is 10 times and the laser element 1 is a high output broad area type,
The width of the recording paper 10 is 210 mm, and the stripe width (approximate near-field image width) of the laser element 1 is 50 to 500 μm. Therefore, the required number of laser elements 1 is 420 to
42 pieces (210 mm / 50 μm / 10 times to 210 mm /
50 μm / 10 times), which can be smaller than the conventional example.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, each convex lens 8 as a condensing optical system is depicted by one sheet, but it goes without saying that a plurality of lenses such as a combination of a convex lens and a concave lens may be used instead. .

The depth of focus is proportional to λ / NA ² where NA is the object-side numerical aperture and λ is the wavelength.
With a factor of 0, the depth of focus can be made approximately 100 times.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 shows a laser fixing device L2 in which _two reflecting mirrors 11 and 12 are provided to face each other so that an optical path of a laser beam is folded in a Z shape. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 7 denotes a lens holder, 8 denotes a convex lens, 9 denotes a heat sink, and 10 denotes a recording paper. Structure of the other components of the laser fixing device L ₂ is,
This is the same as the laser fixing device L1 of the _first embodiment. According to the laser fixing device L _2, since the optical path is folded compared to that of Example 1, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 5 shows that the predetermined portions 13a and 13b of the transparent substrate 13 are formed into a predetermined shape, and the optical path of the laser beam is
Shows a laser fixing device L ₃ provided in the. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 9 denotes a heat radiating plate, and reference numeral 10 denotes a recording paper. Structure of the other components of the laser fixing device L ₃ are the same as laser fixing device L ₁ of the first embodiment. According to the laser fixing device L _3, to form the Alternative portion of the convex lens 8 and reflecting mirror 11, 12 on the surface of the transparent substrate 13, it is possible to omit a lens 8 and reflecting mirror 11, 12, There is no need to consider ensuring the accuracy for holding the reflection mirrors 11 and 12, and furthermore, they can be manufactured by integral molding or the like, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost.

[0032] Example 4 6-8, magnification showing a laser fixing device L _4, which is composed of a larger plurality of focusing optical system and a plurality of laser device 1. In the laser fixing device L _4,
A laser beam emitted from a silicon substrate with a semiconductor laser element 3 as a laser device is greatly expanded by a concave lens 18 and focused only in one direction by a cylindrical lens 20. Here, a lens array may be used instead of the cylindrical lens 20. In this case, the light is converged in both directions. In short, it is only necessary that the entire area of the recording paper 10 can be irradiated with the laser beam.

[0033] In this laser fixing device L _4, in another direction, and the light intensity is strengthened by overlapping laser beams from each laser device 3. Structure of the other components of the laser fixing device L ₄ are the same as the laser fixing device L ₁ of the first embodiment. According to the laser fixing device L _4, overlapping the laser beams from the plurality of laser device 3 irradiates to compensate phase (referred to as "even distribution")
Thus, even if one laser device 3 fails, an unfixed area does not occur, and the reliability of the entire laser fixing device can be increased.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 9 shows a laser fixing device L composed of a plurality of condensing optical systems having a magnification greater than 1 and a plurality of laser devices.
₅ is shown. A laser beam emitted from the silicon substrate 3 with the semiconductor laser element as a laser device enters the substrate 21 from one surface of the transparent substrate 21 and is formed by a minute mirror (a reflective diffraction grating may be formed on an inclined surface (or a curved surface)). ), And is condensed on the recording paper 10 by a cylindrical lens or the like formed on the surface of the transparent substrate 21. Structure of the other components of the laser fixing device and L ₅ is the same as the laser fixing device L ₁ of the first embodiment.

[0035] Example 6 Figures 10 and 11 show a laser fixing device L _6, which is composed of a plurality of focusing optical system and a plurality of optical branching-transmitting means and a plurality of laser devices. In the laser fixing device L _6, the semiconductor laser element 1 and the light receiving element (monitoring photodiode) is sealed, high-power semiconductor laser device according to hermetically sealed (can package) is the heat dissipation plate (not shown) and the controller (Not shown)
It is connected to the. The laser beam emitted from the laser device is transmitted from the input end of the optical fiber 22 to the fiber 2.
The light enters the fiber 2, is branched to each fiber lens 23 at a branch portion, is enlarged by the fiber lens 23, and is irradiated onto the recording paper 10 from the emission end of the fiber lens 23.

The optical fiber 22 is formed as a bundle of thin fibers, and is knitted so as to perform equal distribution. The fiber lens 23 is formed such that the diameter of the thin fiber is larger at the exit end than at the entrance end. Incidentally, the cross-sectional shape s ₁ of the entrance end of the optical fiber 22 is elliptical as shown in FIG. 11,
This is for improving the coupling efficiency with the laser element 1. The cross-sectional shape s ₂ of the output end of the optical fiber 22 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the inside of a copying machine P in which a laser fixing device L2 according to a _second embodiment is incorporated, as viewed from the front. That is, in the copying machine P, a transfer device 32 is provided below the photoreceptor 31, and a pair of paper discharge rollers 3
3 are provided. Then, the laser fixing device L ₂ is arranged on the inclined manner between the photoconductor 31 and the paper discharge roller 33.

[0038] is upturned-shaped transport path 34 is provided on the lower laser fixing device L _2. The horizontal portion 34a the conveying path 34, on the upstream side of the laser fixing device L ₂
And an inclined portion 34b as a bent structure portion bent upward at an angle of about 20 degrees following the horizontal portion 34a. Then, the recording paper 10 on which the toner image on the photoconductor 31 has been transferred by the transfer device 32 reaches the inclined portion 34b after passing through the horizontal portion 34a of the transport path 34. Next, the toner image on the surface of the recording paper 10
4 of inclined portion 34b is fixed by a laser fixing device L _2, and is discharged through the paper discharge roller 33. The upwardly bent conveying path 34 in the copying machine P is for smoothing floating, bending, undulation, and the like of the recording paper 10 being conveyed.

Generally, if the output of the laser device is high,
The method of narrowing the laser beam to be irradiated, that is, the object-side numerical aperture of the condensing optical diameter can be reduced and the depth of focus can be increased, so even if there is floating, bending, undulation, etc. on the recording paper Defective fixing does not occur. However, when it is not possible to increase the output of the laser device due to power consumption, price, and the like, it is generally better to smooth the floating, bending, and undulation of the recording paper.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the conveying path 34 is bent upward, a vertical component of the conveying force to the conveying path 34 is generated, and thus the floating, bending, undulation, etc. of the recording paper 10 are smoothed. be able to. As shown in FIG. 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the transport path 34, it is more preferable that the upper surface of the transport path 34 be uneven. The reason is that, by reducing the contact area between the transport path 34 and the recording paper 10, the rate at which heat escapes to the transport path 34 decreases.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 14 is a structural explanatory view of the inside of a copying machine Q in which the laser fixing device L2 of the _second embodiment is incorporated, as viewed from the front. That is, in the copying machine Q, a transfer device 32 is provided below the photoreceptor 31, and a laser fixing device L
_Two are arranged. Conveying device 35 is provided in the lower laser fixing device L _2. The transport device 35 includes two transport rollers 36 arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.
36, and a transport belt 37 made of a dielectric (insulator) film and stretched between the transport rollers 36.

When the toner image on the photosensitive member 31 is transferred to the recording paper 10 by the transfer device 32, the recording paper 10 is slightly charged. Therefore, when the transport belt 37 of the transport device 35 is made of a dielectric (insulator) film, the recording paper 10 is attracted by the electric charge generated by the dielectric polarization of the dielectric film and adheres closely. As a result, floating, bending, undulation, and the like of the recording paper 10 can be smoothed. Here, the conveyor belt 3
If the upper surface of the sheet 7 is made uneven in the entire length, the contact area between the conveyor belt 37 and the recording paper 10 is reduced, and the escape of heat to the conveyance path is reduced, which is more preferable.

[0043] Example 9 FIG. 15 shows a configuration explanatory view of the interior of the copying machine R incorporating a laser fixing device L ₂ of Example 2 from the front. That is, in the copying machine R, a transfer unit 32 is provided below the photoreceptor 31, and a laser fixing device L
_Two are arranged. Conveying device 38 is provided on the lower laser fixing device L _2. The transfer device 38 includes two transfer rollers 39.
And 39, a conveyor belt 40 made of looped around a synthetic rubber between and how these transport rollers 39, 39, an air suction device arranged immediately below the laser fixing device L ₂ between and if the conveyance rollers 39 - 39 41.

As shown in FIG. 16 which is a cross sectional view of the transport belt 40, holes 40a for sucking air are provided on the entire surface. As shown in FIG. 16 which is a cross-sectional view of the air suction device 41, the air suction device 41 includes a duct 42 having an air suction opening 42a on the upper surface, an air suction fan 43 disposed inside the duct 42, And a motor 44 for driving the motor 43.

The copying machine R operates the fan 43 of the air suction device 41 when the recording paper 10 is being conveyed by the conveying rollers 39 and 39 and the conveying belt 40.
The opening 42 of the duct 42 extends from the hole 40 a of the conveyor belt 40.
Air is sucked into the duct 42 through a. As a result, floating, bending, undulation, and the like of the recording paper 10 can be smoothed. Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 40 has an uneven shape over its entire length, so that the contact area between the conveyor belt 40 and the recording paper 10 is reduced, so that heat escapes to the conveyor path. You.

[0046] Example 10 FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a laser fixing device L _7.
The laser fixing device L ₇ is provided on the conveying path or the recording paper 10.
Temperature detecting means 45 for detecting the temperature of the laser device 3
(Silicon substrate with semiconductor laser element) oscillation, stop,
Controller 46 as control means for controlling laser intensity
And a paper transport device 47 for transporting the recording paper 10.

In the laser fixing device L ₇ , the temperature detecting means 45 detects the temperature of the transport path or the recording paper 10, and the control device 46 controls the laser intensity of the laser device 3 and the transport speed of the paper transport device 47. Control. Further, when the temperature of the transport path or the recording paper 10 is lower than the predetermined value, the control device 46 performs control such as increasing the laser intensity of the laser device 3.

That is, a thermistor or the like is placed near the transport path or near the cassette of the recording paper 10 for the purpose of suppressing power consumption or preventing poor fixability when used in a cold region. The temperature detecting means 45 is attached. Then, based on the temperature signal from the temperature detecting means 45, when the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined value, the control device 46 increases the laser light intensity of the laser device 3 or decreases the transport speed of the paper transport device 47. Or

[0049] Example 11 FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a laser fixing device L _8.
The laser fixing device L ₈ includes a color detection means 48 for detecting the color of the toner on the surface of the recording paper 10, the oscillation of the laser device 3 (silicon substrate with a semiconductor laser device), stop, as a control means for controlling the laser intensity , A paper transport device 47 for transporting the recording paper 10, and a toner cartridge 50 for replenishing toner. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 51 denotes a laser fixing device L
Reference numeral ₈ denotes an operation key in a copier, various printers, or the like in which the printer is incorporated.

The control device 49 further performs control such as increasing the laser intensity of the laser device 3 according to the laser beam absorptivity of the color of the toner. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, when the color toner t is used, the absorption rate of the laser beam is different for each color of the color toner t. Based on the detection means 48 or from the color information of the selected toner cartridge (manually replace the toner cartridge for a low-cost model) or from the operation key 53 (the toner key can be replaced with the operation key for a high-cost model). Based on the color information, the control device 49 increases the laser beam intensity of the laser device 3 or reduces the transport speed of the paper transport device 47 when the toner t has a low absorption rate.

[0051]

The laser fixing device according to the present invention is configured as described above, and has the following effects. That is, according to the laser fixing device of the first aspect, the semiconductor laser and the lens array are employed.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the fixing device.
it can. In other words, in addition to using a semiconductor laser,
The laser at a short distance from the lens array to the recording paper.
Laser fixing device
Therefore, it is possible to realize a reduction in size and a reduction in price. According to the laser fixing device of the second aspect, the laser fixing device has a branch portion.
Optical fiber and fiber lens
More uniform irradiation of recording paper
You. According to the laser fixing device of the third aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of wires and downsize the laser fixing device. According to the laser fixing device of the fourth aspect, by irradiating a laser beam from a plurality of laser devices so as to overlap a partial area of the recording paper, when the semiconductor laser element breaks down, the laser beam is emitted. Can be prevented from being unfixed in the area of the recording paper to be irradiated, so that the entire laser fixing device does not need to be replaced, and the reliability is improved. According to the laser fixing device of the fifth aspect, the size of the laser fixing device can be reduced by the reflection mirror for turning back the optical path.

According to the laser fixing device of the sixth aspect, the optical path is provided inside the transparent material, and the light condensing and the light branching are performed by the optical element formed on the surface of the transparent material. Can be reduced in size. According to the laser fixing device of the present invention, the recording paper conveyance path is bent upward, and a vertical component of the conveyance force to the conveyance path is generated, so that the floating, bending, waviness and the like of the recording paper are smoothed. The surface of the recording paper can be maintained within the depth of focus of the laser beam, and the fixing property can be improved. According to the laser fixing device of the eighth aspect, since the laser beam is condensed by the electrostatic force acting on the recording paper transport path, the floating, bending, undulation, etc. of the recording paper are smoothed and the focus of the laser beam is adjusted. It is possible to maintain the recording paper surface within the depth and improve the fixability. According to the laser fixing device of the ninth aspect, since the laser beam is condensed by the air pressure acting on the recording paper conveying path, the floating, bending, waviness, etc. of the recording paper are smoothed and the focal depth of the laser beam is reduced. The surface of the recording paper can be maintained inside, and the fixability can be improved. According to the laser fixing device of the tenth aspect, the contact area between the recording paper and the conveyance path is reduced, so that the escape of heat to the conveyance path can be reduced.

According to the laser fixing device of the eleventh aspect, when the temperature of the conveying path or the recording paper is lower than a predetermined value, the laser intensity of the laser device is increased,
It is possible to improve the fixing property in a cold region or the like and to suppress the power consumption. According to the laser fixing device of the twelfth aspect, when the temperature of the conveyance path or the recording paper is lower than a predetermined value, the fixing speed in a cold region or the like is improved by reducing the conveyance speed of the recording paper. For example, power consumption can be reduced. According to the laser fixing device of the thirteenth aspect, by improving the laser intensity of the laser device in accordance with the difference in the absorptance of the laser beam depending on the color of the toner, it is possible to improve the fixing property and suppress the power consumption. it can. According to the laser fixing device of the present invention, it is possible to improve the fixing property and suppress the power consumption by reducing the conveying speed of the recording paper according to the difference in the absorptance of the laser beam depending on the color of the toner. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory view of the laser fixing device as viewed from below.

FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view of the laser fixing device as viewed from a side.

FIG. 4 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a side.

FIG. 5 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a side.

FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

FIG. 7 is a configuration explanatory view of the laser fixing device as viewed from below.

FIG. 8 is a configuration explanatory view of the laser fixing device as viewed from a side.

FIG. 9 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

FIG. 10 is a configuration explanatory view of a laser fixing device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

FIG. 11 is a configuration explanatory view of the laser fixing device as viewed from above.

FIG. 12 is a configuration explanatory diagram of the inside of a copying machine in which the laser fixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a configuration explanatory diagram of the inside of another copying machine in which the laser fixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 15 is a structural explanatory view of the inside of still another copying machine in which the laser fixing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the copying machine.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser fixing device according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser fixing device according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. .

FIG. 19 is a configuration explanatory view schematically showing a color detection unit forming a part of the laser fixing device.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing a laser fixing device according to Conventional Example 1.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing a laser fixing device according to Conventional Example 2.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the laser fixing device.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an arrangement state of semiconductor laser elements in the laser fixing device.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of FIG. 23;

[Description of Signs] 1 Semiconductor laser element 2 Photodiode for monitoring (light receiving element) 3 Silicon substrate 4 Wire bond wire 5 Surface electrode 6 Ceramic substrate 7 Lens holder 8 Convex lens (light collecting optical system) 9 Heat sink 10 Recording paper 11 Reflection Mirror 12 Reflecting mirror 13 Transparent substrate 18 Concave lens (condensing optical system) 20 Cylindrical lens 21 Transparent substrate 22 Optical fiber 23 Fiber lens 34 Upper curved transport path 35 Transport device 36 Transport roller 37 Transport belt 38 Transport device 39 Transport roller 40 Transport belt 41 air suction device 45 temperature detection means 46 control device (control means) 47 paper transport device 48 color detection means 49 control device (control means)

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-59-152472 (JP, A) JP-A-59-126574 (JP, A) JP-A-59-95571 (JP, A) JP-A-57-141673 (JP, A) JP-A-58-219580 (JP, A) JP-A-2-109080 (JP, A) JP-A-59-126572 (JP, A) JP-A-61-18983 (JP, A) JP-A-61-18983 59-101683 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/20 F21P 1/00-7/00

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] 1. A magnification of 1 arranged at a position where a laser beam can be irradiated on the entire area of a recording sheet by conveying the recording sheet.
A plurality of condensing optical systems and a plurality of laser devices, the laser device being a semiconductor laser,
Have lens sections corresponding to the respective semiconductor lasers.
A lens array for the lens to the emitted laser beam from the semiconductor laser
A laser fixing device configured to collect light on recording paper by an array and thereby fix unfixed toner. 2. A plurality of condensing optical systems, a plurality of light branching / transmitting means, and a plurality of laser devices, which are arranged at positions where a laser beam can be irradiated on the entire area of the recording paper by transporting the recording paper. The optical branching / transmission means is provided from an optical fiber having a branching section.
Becomes, the converging optical system is composed of a fiber lens, optical fiber the laser beam emitted from the laser device
The light is transmitted by a bar and split at the branch into a fiber lens.
Diverge, expand with a fiber lens and focus on recording paper,
A laser fixing device configured to fix unfixed toner. 3. The laser fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the laser device has a semiconductor laser element mounted on a silicon substrate on which a control circuit of the semiconductor laser element and its photodetector are monolithically formed. 4. The laser fixing device according to claim 1, wherein a partial area of the recording paper is irradiated with laser beams from a plurality of laser devices so as to overlap. 5. The laser fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflection mirror for turning back the optical path. 6. The recording paper is transported to cover the entire area of the recording paper.
Is located at a position where the laser beam can be irradiated.
Multiple focusing optics and multiple laser devices
Optics for focusing the laser beam emitted from the laser device
System collects light on the recording paper, thereby causing unfixed toner
Is so as to fix the result, the optical path is provided inside the transparent material, the condensing or light branch is made by an optical element formed on the surface of the transparent material
User fixing device . 7. A recording paper transport path includes an upwardly bent structure for smoothing floating, bending, waviness and the like of the recording paper, and the laser beam is focused on the bent structure of the transport path. The laser fixing device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. 8. An electrostatic force for smoothing floating, bending, waviness, etc. of the recording paper acts on the recording paper transport path, and the laser beam is focused on the transport path portion on which the electrostatic force acts. 7. The laser fixing device according to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. 9. The recording paper is transported over the entire area of the recording paper.
Is located at a position where the laser beam can be irradiated.
Multiple focusing optics and multiple laser devices
Optics for focusing the laser beam emitted from the laser device
System collects light on the recording paper, thereby causing unfixed toner
It is so as to fix the the conveying path of the recording paper, floating of the recording sheet, deflection, acts pneumatically to smooth the undulation, the laser beam is focused on the transportation path where the air pressure is applied Laser fixing equipment
Place . 10. The recording paper conveyance path is provided with irregularities on the surface of the conveyance path for reducing the contact area between the recording paper and the conveyance path. 10. The laser fixing device according to 8 or 9. 11. A temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature of a conveyance path or a recording sheet, and a control device for controlling oscillation, stop, and laser intensity of a laser device, further comprising: a control device for controlling the temperature to be lower than a predetermined value. And controlling the laser device so as to increase the laser intensity when the value is also low.
0. The laser fixing device according to item 0. 12. A printing apparatus comprising: a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of a transport path or a recording sheet; and a control means for suppressing a transport speed of a recording paper transporting device, wherein the control means determines that the temperature is lower than a predetermined value. 11. The laser fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the transport speed of the recording paper to be low when the transport speed is low. 13. A color detecting device for detecting the color of the toner on the recording paper, and a control device for controlling the oscillation, stop, and laser intensity of the laser device. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the laser intensity of the laser device is controlled so as to increase according to the rate.
Or the laser fixing device according to 10. 14. The recording paper is conveyed to cover the entire area of the recording paper.
Magnification placed at a position where laser beam can be irradiated
Multiple focusing optics and multiple lasers larger than one
Optics for focusing the laser beam emitted from the laser device
System collects light on the recording paper, thereby causing unfixed toner
It is so as to fix a detection means for detecting the color of the toner on the recording paper, and a control means for controlling the conveying speed of the recording paper, further control means, the color laser beam absorption rate of the toner Control to slow down the recording paper transport speed according to
Laser fixing device .