Patent ID: 8412067

Claim:
A laser fixing device comprising: a laser beam generating device that generates laser beams and irradiates a recording medium transported with the laser beams; and an airflow generating unit that generates airflow flowing between the laser beam generating device and the recording medium, wherein a flow speed of the airflow in a transport direction of the recording medium in an irradiation position of the laser beams is higher than a transport speed of the recording medium, wherein the laser fixing device further comprises a plate-shaped member that is disposed between the recording medium and the laser beam generating device to face the recording medium and transmits the laser beams, wherein the airflow generating unit generates the airflow flowing between the plate-shaped member and the recording medium, and wherein the plate-shaped member is disposed so that a gap between the plate-shaped member and a transport member that transports the recording medium is gradually decreased from an upstream side of the airflow toward the irradiation position of the laser beams or a position in the vicinity of the irradiation position.