Patent ID: 8472852
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a foam fixer generator unit configured to generate a foam fixer containing a softener capable of softening toner by dissolving or swelling at least a part of a resin component of the toner; an application roller configured to carry the foam fixer generated by the foam fixer generator unit to transfer the foam fixer onto a recording sheet; a pressure roller configured to apply pressure to a toner image formed on the recording sheet via the foam fixer applied on the application roller to fix the toner image on the recording sheet; a cleaning device configured to remove residual components remaining on the application roller; a recording sheet detector unit arranged upstream in a recording sheet transfer direction of the fixing device and configured to detect presence or absence of the recording sheet; a remover unit configured to be brought into contact with the application roller and be separated therefrom to remove the foam fixer on a surface of the application roller; and a control unit configured to control the contact-separation operation of the remover unit based on a detected result of a front end and/or a rear end of the recording sheet detected by the recording sheet detector unit.