IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure fixing performance over a long term in a fixing device which fixes a toner image on transfer paper by applying a foamy fixing solution containing a softener for softening toner to the toner image on a surface of the transfer paper. SOLUTION: A fixing unit 60 includes a fixing solution foaming means (air pump 300, fixing solution bottle 200, and foam stirrer 310 or the like) for turning a liquid fixing solution 210 into the foamy fixing solution F, and a fixing solution applying means (dye coater head 501, and coating roller 61 or the like) for applying the foamy fixing solution F to the surface of the transfer paper P, and fixes the toner image on the transfer paper P by applying the foamy fixing solution F thereto. The fixing unit includes various sensors (first foam sensor S1, foam speed sensor S2, second foam sensor S3, third foam sensor S6, pressure gauge S7, and residual amount detection sensor S10) as a foamy fixing solution confirming means for confirming a state of the foamy fixing solution F in a conveyance path for the foamy fixing solution F from the fixing solution bottle 200 to the coating roller 61. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT