Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device configured to form a toner image on a sheet, a fixing device, including first and second rotatable members, for forming a nip, configured to fix the toner image formed on the sheet by the image forming device, a mounting portion to which the fixing device is detachably mountable substantially along a longitudinal direction thereof, a pressing mechanism configured to press the first rotatable member toward the second rotatable member by entrance thereof, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, into a space of the mounting portion through which the fixing device passes during mounting and demounting, and a retracting mechanism configured to retract the pressing mechanism from the space.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main assembly; and a fixing unit for fixing an image on a recording material. The fixing unit is detachably mountable to the main assembly. The fixing unit includes a projected portion for regulating a position of the fixing unit relative to the main assembly. The main assembly includes an opening for guiding movement of the projected portion and a recessed portion, provided downstream of the opening with respect to a mounting direction of the fixing unit, for regulating a position of the projected portion. The fixing unit includes an engaging portion engaging with the opening so that the projected portion is prevented from coming out of the opening after entering the recessed portion.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a coil; a belt member; a first core and a second core which are provided inside the belt member; a contact member contacting an inner surface of the belt member along a widthwise direction of the belt member; a pressing member configured to press the belt member against the contact member; a core supporting member configured to support the first and second cores; a pressing mechanism configured to generate pressure for forming a nip; and an adjusting portion, provided on the core supporting member, configured to adjust the height of each of the first core and the second core so that the height of a supporting surface configured to support the first core and the height of a supporting surface for supporting the second core are different from each other with respect to a direction perpendicular to the supporting surfaces.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a heat source unit comprises a first heating section configured to include a first heating member and a first pressing member; a second heating section, which is arranged at the downstream side of the first heating section in a paper conveyance direction, configured to include a second heating member and a second pressing member; a heat source opening and closing mechanism configured to include a rotation shaft at the upstream side of the first heating section in the paper conveyance direction, and be capable of being opened and closed around the rotation shaft; and a paper conveyance guide section configured to include, between the first and the second heating sections, a first paper conveyance rib arranged at one side of the paper conveyance path and a second paper conveyance rib arranged at the other side of the paper conveyance path.

Abstract: An endless belt detachably mountable to an image heating apparatus includes: a lubricant applied along a longitudinal direction of the endless belt onto a part of an inner surface of the endless belt with respect to a circumferential direction; and an indicating portion configured to indicate a mounting phase of the endless belt to an operator. The indicating potion is provided on an outer surface of the endless belt so as to have a positional relationship with an applied region of the lubricant with respect to the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing member, a rotatable pressure member having one and the other end portions in the axial direction, a first cam, a connecting member, and a second cam. The fixing member is used to fix an image. The pressure member is pressed against the fixing member. The first cam attached to the one end portion of the pressure member is rotated in one direction to apply a pressure toward the fixing member. The connecting member is connected to the first cam and the second cam. The second cam attached to the other end portion of the pressure member is rotated in the one direction to apply a pressure toward the fixing member. Before the first and second cams are rotated, a projecting portion of the second cam is positioned downstream of a projecting portion of the first cam in the one direction.

Abstract: A fixing device is configured to move the pressure release member in predetermined movement directions relative to the support member such that the biasing member can function. The support member has a first retaining part. The pressure release member has a retention element to be held in the first retaining part of the support member. When the retention element is held in the first retaining part of the support member, the pressure release member is configured to apply a biasing force of the biasing member to the support member and thereby to cause the second fixing member to be pressed against the first fixing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming member; a heating member; an opposing member that opposes the heating member; an urging member having one end attached to a first support member that supports the opposing member, the urging member urging the opposing member so that the opposing member presses a recording medium against the heating member; a moving member that moves from a closed position to an open position, a space accommodating the heating and opposing members being closed when the moving member is at the closed position and opened when the moving member is at the open position; and a cancelling member to which the other end of the urging member is attached and that is rotatably attached to a second support member that supports the heating member, the cancelling member rotating from the closed position to cancel a pressing force with which the recording medium is pressed.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a housing detachably attached to a body of an image forming apparatus, a fixing unit mounted on the housing to heat and fix an unfixed toner image onto a recording medium, a locking mechanism to lock and unlock the housing in the body of the image forming apparatus by switching its own position from a locking position to an unlocking position, vice-versa, and an operating member integrally connected to the locking mechanism to operate the locking mechanism. First and second handling members are provided on lower and upper sides of the housing, respectively, to be handled when the housing is either attached to or detached from the body of the image forming apparatus. The operating member approaches the second handling member when the locking mechanism changes its position to detach the housing from the body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body; a scanning unit disposed above the main body to be opened and closed; a paper discharging cover which is disposed on a top end of the main body below the scanning unit to open and close an opening formed on the main body and printing media are stacked; a fusing unit that is disposed behind the paper discharging cover inside the main body and includes a pressing roller and a heating roller; a first cover that is disposed above the fusing unit and guides a printing medium passed through between the pressing roller and the heating roller to the paper discharging cover; and a second cover disposed above the first cover to cover the first cover. When the second cover is opened and closed, the pressing roller and the heating roller are separated from and in contact with each other.

Abstract: A unit for an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a photosensitive drum; and a guide member. The frame includes: first and second side plates spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a bridging member. The guide member bridges the first and second side plates; and guides a recording medium in a second direction. The guide member includes: first and second positioned portions fixed in position relative to the first and second side plates; and a supported portion supported to the bridging member. A downstream end of the guide member in the second direction and one of the first and second positioned portions define a first distance therebetween, and the downstream end and the supported portion define a second distance therebetween as viewed in the first direction. The first distance is smaller than the second distance.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus gas a photosensitive drum, an anti-static lamp, and a drum unit, The drum unit includes a unit main frame for holding the photosensitive drum, and a holder frame for holding the anti-static lamp, The holder frame is detachably attached to the unit main frame.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a belt member for heating an image on a recording material; a heater heating the belt member; a supporting portion, provided on an inner surface of the belt member, for detachably supporting the belt member; a temperature detecting member contacted to the inner surface of the belt member and elastically supported by the supporting portion; a controller for controlling energization to the heater on the basis of an output of the temperature detecting member; and an inclined surface, provided to the temperature detecting member, for guiding the temperature detecting member toward an inside of the belt member in contact with the belt member during a mounting operation of the belt member to the supporting portion.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body and a pressing rotary body disposed opposite the fixing rotary body. A pivotable pressurization member contacts and presses the pressing rotary body against the fixing rotary body. A pressurization pivot is provided on the pressurization member. A depressurization member, pivotable about the pressurization pivot, causes the pressurization member to isolate the pressing rotary body from the fixing rotary body. A depressurization pivot is provided on the depressurization member. A lock is pivotable about the depressurization pivot and engageable with the pressurization pivot. A biasing member, anchored to the lock, exerts a resilient bias that allows the lock to cause the pressurization member to press the pressing rotary body against the fixing rotary body. A detent is situated in a pivotal trajectory of the lock to restrict pivot of the lock by contacting the lock.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater for heating an image surface of a recording medium, a plurality of electrodes arrayed at an end of the heater, and a connector including energizing terminals and attached to the end of the heater to energize the electrodes. The connector also includes an engage portion which is engaged with a support member to lock the connector. The connector is configured such that an engage position of the engage portion is located between the energizing terminals located at both ends.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body movably supporting an openable-and-closable portion, and the openable-and-closable portion is provided with a detection sensor. A first detection lever configured to be movable by being pushed by a sheet is provided on the main body, and a second detection lever configured to be capable of moving in conjunction with the movement of the first detection lever is provided on the openable-and-closable portion. The detection sensor is activated by the movement of the second detection lever based on the movement of the first detection lever.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a belt member for heating in a nip an image formed on a recording material, an urging portion, contacting an inner surface of the belt member, for forming the nip, a guide portion, contacting the inner surface of the belt member at an end portion, for guiding rotation of the belt member, and a belt unit, including at least the belt member, the urging member and the guide portion, integrally detachably mountable to the image heating apparatus. The belt member is detachably mountable to the belt unit. The apparatus also includes a frame for supporting the belt unit, and a limiting portion, provided on the frame, for limiting the belt member by abutment to an edge of the belt member.

Abstract: A belt unit includes an endless belt member, a first roller provided on an inner circumferential surface side of the belt member, and a stretching member provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the belt member. The stretching member is configured to stretch the belt member. A circumferential length of the belt member at a center portion in a widthwise direction of the belt member is shorter than a circumferential length of the belt member at an end portion in the widthwise direction of the belt member.

Abstract: Provided is a fixing device including a fixing member that fixes toner onto a recording material, a pressurizing member that forms a nip portion, through which the recording material passes, between the fixing member and the pressurizing member, a moving member that is disposed to be movable in response to passage of the recording material in a transport path of the recording material which passes through the nip portion, a detection unit that detects a presence or absence of the moving member, a displacement mechanism that changes a position of the pressurizing member with respect to the fixing member, and an attachment/detachment member that is disposed in a detachable manner at a facing position facing the displacement mechanism and comes into contact with the moving member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a metal plate, an endless belt, a rotating body, and a stay. The metal plate has a main part comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a center portion positioned therebetween and having rigidity higher than that of the first end portion and the second end portion. The endless belt has an inner peripheral surface configured to be in sliding contact with the metal plate. The main part is aligned with the rotating body in a direction from the metal plate to the rotating body. The stay is disposed opposite to the nip region with respect to the metal plate. The stay and the main part of the metal plate are deformable upon application of the load to the stay such that the main part provides a convex shape protruding toward the rotating body.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless belt and an opposed rotary body contacting an outer circumferential surface of the belt. A nip formation pad contacting a first part of an inner circumferential surface of the belt presses against the opposed rotary body via the belt to form a fixing nip between the belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heat conductor disposed opposite a second part of the inner circumferential surface of the belt not contacted by the nip formation pad is interposed between a heater and the belt to conduct heat from the heater to the belt. A reflector disposed inside the loop formed by the belt reflects light from the heater toward the heat conductor. The reflector and the heat conductor surround the heater.

Abstract: A drawer member that is capable of being drawn out from an image forming apparatus body and that includes a fixing unit that heats and fixes an image onto a recording medium, a first flow path that is formed around the fixing unit and that causes air that is heated by heat, which is discharged from the fixing unit, to circulate, and a second flow path that is formed adjacent to the first flow path on a side opposite to the fixing unit and in which air having a temperature lower than a temperature of air, which circulates in the first flow path, circulates.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that includes: a heating member that heats a recording sheet; a pressure member that presses the recording sheet between the heating member and the pressure member; an adjustment mechanism that causes the heating member and the pressure member to contact or to separate; and a control section that, at a time of a warm-up operation or an idling operation, based on a predetermined condition, controls the adjustment mechanism so as to cause the heating member and the pressure member to contact at a contact pressure that is lower than a contact pressure between the heating member and the pressure member at a time of image formation or is approximately identical to the contact pressure at a time of image formation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit, a first support portion, and a second support portion. First support portion fits with and positions first supported portion, which is end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports first supported portion movably in insertion direction of fixing unit toward attachment position. Second support portion fits with and positions second supported portion, which is another end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports second supported portion movably in insertion direction. Height adjustment portion adjusts height position of fixing unit by moving second support portion in up-down direction. The first support portion includes vertical surface facing first supported portion and extending in up-down direction, and vertical surface has projection at an end thereof on foreside of insertion direction, the projection projecting from the vertical surface in first direction of going away from the vertical surface.

Abstract: The fixing device includes a nip formation assembly partially pressing against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The nip formation assembly includes a base pad defining the fixing nip and including a pressure portion, an extension portion, and a curved portion. The pressure portion presses against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The extension portion is contiguous to and disposed upstream from the pressure portion in a recording medium conveyance direction. The extension portion does not press against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The curved portion is disposed upstream from the extension portion in the recording medium conveyance direction and smoothly blends into the extension portion. The curved portion does not press against the opposed rotary body.

Abstract: An image heating device includes a belt, a wire stretched from one widthwise end to the other widthwise end of the belt near a peripheral surface of the belt, a moving member movably fixed to one end of the wire, a biasing member, a detection unit, and a control unit. The belt heats an image on a sheet. The biasing member biases the moving member. The detection unit detects, from a biasing force of the biasing member provided when the wire is cut, that the moving member is moved. The control unit controls, according to an output of the detection unit with regard to detecting that the moving member is moved, whether or not to prohibit an image heating process.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus provided with a detachable fixing unit having fixing paired-rollers, a heating unit heats at least one of the fixing paired-rollers, and a temperature detecting unit detects a temperature of the detachable fixing unit. The image forming apparatus is further provided with an adjustment mechanism for preventing the detachable fixing unit from being taken out from the apparatus body, when the temperature detecting unit determines that the temperature of the detachable fixing unit exceeds a predetermined value, and allowing the detachable fixing unit to be taken out from the apparatus body, when the temperature detecting unit determines that the temperature of the detachable fixing unit is the predetermined value or less, whereby protecting users from getting their hands burned when taking out the detachable fixing unit from the apparatus body.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a main assembly; and a fixing unit. The main assembly includes an advancing-and-retracting member capable of advancing and retracting in a direction substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction of the fixing unit, and includes an urging member configured to urge the advancing-and-retracting member in an advancing direction. The fixing unit includes an engaging member engageable with the advancing-and-retracting member, wherein the engaging member includes a retracting portion configured to retract the advancing-and-retracting member against an urging force of the urging member with a mounting operation to the main assembly and includes a permitting portion configured to permit advance of the advancing-and-retracting member by the urging portion with a further mounting operation to the main assembly and configured to receive a force for moving the fixing unit in a mounting direction by the advancing-and-retracting member.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus of the invention includes a pressure roller 6 and a fixing roller 7 that make press-contact with each other and an oil roller 8 that makes press-contact with either the pressure roller 6 or the fixing roller 7, and passes a recording sheet through a nip area between the pressure roller 6 and the fixing roller 7 to fix toner on the recording sheet. The fixing apparatus also includes: a pressure roller gear 21 and an oil roller gear 22 that transmit a rotation of a shaft of the pressure roller 6 that makes press-contact with the oil roller 8 to a shaft of the oil roller 8; and a one-way clutch 23 that causes the oil roller 8 to idly rotate in a direction of a driven rotation when the oil roller 8 is driven to rotate by pressing against the pressure roller 6.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a curved member that supports a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming material that absorbs light and is fixed, and an irradiating portion that irradiates the curved member with light from the recording medium side, wherein the light axis of the light does not intersect with a center axis of the curved member, and is substantially perpendicular to a tangential line in a middle point in a transporting direction of the recording medium in a region of the curved member supporting the recording medium.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable, endless fixing belt; a rotatable contact member configured to contact a circumferential surface of the fixing belt to form a nip in association with the fixing belt; and a heating member disposed at an interior surface of the fixing belt, configured to heat the fixing belt. The heating member includes a multiple heat sources arranged along the width of a sheet of recording media in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. A controller changes an area to be heated by each heat source based on image data and corresponding to an unfixed image on the sheet. The fixing belt is heated by the heating member so that the unfixed image on the sheet that has been conveyed to the nip is fixed onto the sheet at least with heat. The heating member is disposed at a portion other than the fixing nip.

Abstract: An image heating unit detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, the image heating unit includes first and second rotatable members configured to and feed a recording material in an image heating process; a casing enclosing the first and second rotatable member and provided with an opening configured to permit passage of the recording material; a movable member movable relative to the opening between a first position taken when the image heating process is carried out and a second position in which a jam clearance operation is capable through the opening and in which a test finger is prevented from entering through the opening into the casing; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the movable member at the second position.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus comprising an endless belt for heating a toner image on a recording material; a holding member for holding the endless belt at an inside of the endless belt; a temperature sensor, provided inside the endless belt, for detecting a temperature of the endless belt; and a moving mechanism moved the temperature sensor between a first position for detecting the temperature of the endless belt and a second position for permitting the endless belt to be taken out of the holding member substantially along a longitudinal direction of the holding member.

Abstract: A fixation unit includes a fixation member and a housing containing therein the fixation member. The fixation member is configured to thermally fix a developer image onto a medium being conveyed from an image formation unit to the fixation unit along a medium conveyance path, wherein the developer image is formed at the image formation unit and transferred onto the medium by the image formation unit. The developer attachment member is replaceably provided to the fixation unit and configured to attach thereto a part of the developer that is scattered in the neighborhood of the conveyance path.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator and an abutment rotator contacting the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is conveyed. A heater is disposed opposite the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator. A thermopile array is disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to detect a temperature of the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. The thermopile array is tilted with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to cause a bisector dividing a view angle of the thermopile array in an axial direction of the fixing rotator into two equal parts and a rotation axis of the fixing rotator to define an outboard angle and an inboard angle disposed inboard from the outboard angle in the axial direction of the fixing rotator and different from the outboard angle.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member configured to heat and fix a toner image onto a recording medium; a pressurizing member configured to press a heating member, which is used for heating the fixing member, against the fixing member and form a fixing nip part; and a guide member configured to guide the recording medium away from the fixing member and the pressurizing member at a downstream side of the fixing member or the pressurizing member in a conveying direction of the recording medium. The guide member includes a pushing unit for maintaining a relative positional relationship between the guide member and an outer peripheral surface of the fixing member or the pressurizing member, and the pushing unit is provided in a manner as to follow surface characteristics of outer peripheral parts of the fixing member or the pressurizing member where the pushing unit pushes.

Abstract: In a fixing device, a heating element is extended along a fixing member at a location other than a nip on an inner circumferential surface side of the fixing member to generate heat. The fixing member contacts the heating element either indirectly via a gap of a prescribed size or directly contacts the heating element by with a prescribed pressure when the fixing member is rotating, and continuously separates from the heating element by a prescribed distance greater than the size of the gap when the fixing member stops rotating.

Abstract: A fuser unit, which heat-fixes a developer image transferred on a recording sheet, the fuser unit includes: a cylindrical member having flexibility; a heat generation member that is arranged at an inside of the cylindrical member and generates radiation heat; a nip member that slidingly contacts an inner periphery of the cylindrical member; a first reflection member that extends along the heat generation member to corresponds with at least a range of a heat generation part of the heat generation member; a second reflection member that is arranged, at an outside of the heat generation member, to at least one of end sides of the first reflection member in the longitudinal direction, and a backup member that forms a nip region by nipping the cylindrical member between the nip member and the backup member, wherein the second reflection member is separated from the first reflection member.

Abstract: In the present invention, a one-way clutch has an input gear, a planet gear provided in the input gear, an output gear, a stopper wall. When the input gear rotates in the backward direction, the stopper wall is separated from the planet gear. Wherein any one of the planet gear and the input gear has a boss being coaxial with the center of the other of the planet gear and the input gear, and the other of the planet gear and the input gear has a groove in an elongated hole shape which the boss fits in. When the input gear rotates in the forward direction, the boss slides to one end of the groove, and the planet gear is wedged between the stopper wall and the inner teeth. When the input gear rotates in the backward direction, the boss slides to the other end of the groove so that the planet gear separates from the locking member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a transport member that transports a recording medium in a first direction, the recording medium having on one side thereof an image formed of an image forming material that is to be fixed by absorbing light; a first chip that has a first light-emitting area in which a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light toward the one side of the recording medium are arranged two-dimensionally; and a second chip that has a second light-emitting area in which a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light toward the one side of the recording medium are arranged two-dimensionally. A gap between the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area extends at an angle with respect to the first direction, and a portion of the first light-emitting area and a portion of the second light-emitting area overlap each other in the first direction.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes; an endless belt; a plate-like heater slidable on an inner surface of the belt; a driving roller, opposed to the heater through the belt, for rotating the belt and for forming a nip for heating an image on a sheet; an energy supply member including an electrical contact for supplying electrical energy to the heater; a flange provided with a guide for guiding rotation of the belt and a stopper for limiting movement of the belt in an axial direction; and a pressure applying member for applying pressure between the flange and the driving roller. The flange includes a fixing portion for fixing the energy supply member with a predetermined play in a pressing direction of the pressure applying member so that the flange is disengageable in the axial direction relative to the belt integrally with the energy supply member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having a part of a current detecting circuit configured to detect current to a heater in a fixing unit so that a main body of the image forming apparatus may have one configuration for 100 V and 200 V and provides an equal resolution of current detection for an apparatus for 100 V and an apparatus for 200 V.

Abstract: An inner heating member is disposed in contact with an inner circumferential surface of a heating belt and an outer heating member is disposed in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the heating belt to heat the heating belt. A restricting member configured to restrict an orbit of the heating belt is disposed between the inner and outer heating members. Then, at least either one of an area of contact between the inner circumferential surface of the heating belt and the inner heating member and an area of contact between the outer circumferential surface of the heating belt and the outer heating member is changed to quickly change a quantity of heat applied to the outer circumferential surface or inner circumferential surface of the heating belt.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyimide polymer and polyethylene glycol ester.

Abstract: A gloss applicator to apply a gloss to toner by heating and then forcibly cooling a toner image on a recording medium, includes: a plurality of rollers including a heat roller disposed upstream in a conveyance direction of the recording medium bearing the toner image thereon; an endless belt wound around the plurality of rollers and including a taut portion along the conveyance direction of the recording medium; a pressure roller disposed at a position opposite the heat roller sandwiching the endless belt together with the heat roller; a cooling member disposed at an interior surface of the taut portion of the endless belt; and a pair of separating members disposed at both ends of the cooling member and configured to contact and separate the endless belt to and from the cooling member so as to change an area of contact of the cooling member with the endless belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a sheet conveyance path, a toner containing unit, a fixing unit, a fixing housing, a heat insulation member, a first hot air exhaust passage, a second hot air exhaust passage and a third hot air exhaust passage. The fixing housing houses the fixing unit and includes a wall portion facing the toner containing unit. The heat insulation member shields between the wall portion and the toner containing unit. The first hot air exhaust passage is arranged between the heat insulation member and the toner containing unit. The second hot air exhaust passage communicates with the first hot air exhaust passage. The third hot air exhaust passage is arranged between the wall portion and the heat insulation member and includes an opening facing the sheet conveyance path and a communication port communicating with the second hot air exhaust passage.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a solid or hollow cylindrical heating member that heats a recording medium and has recesses or projections provided at axial ends thereof, over the entire outer circumferences; ring-shaped heat insulating members to be fitted to the axial ends of the heating member, the ring-shaped heat insulating members having, in the inner circumferences thereof, projections or recesses that fit into or receive the recesses or projections provided on the heating member; and bearings that rotatably support the axial ends of the heating member via the heat insulating members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body in which an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material and a drive mechanism that generates a rotational driving force are provided; a fixing section that transports the recording material while receiving the rotational driving force and fixes the image on the recording material, the fixing section being held by the apparatus body at two axial ends thereof; and a transmission mechanism that is provided at one of the two axial ends of the fixing section and is connected to the drive mechanism, the transmission mechanism transmitting the rotational driving force from the drive mechanism to the fixing section. When a pulling force is applied to a recording material that is present in the fixing section, the drive mechanism and the transmission mechanism are disconnected from each other.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating and detecting unique identification signatures for customer replaceable components or units (CRUs) for use in customer owned and/or controlled image forming devices. The disclosed systems and methods employ characteristics and circuitry of the CRU itself to avoid sole dependence on the information provided in ac electronically-readable monitoring module to provide security against fraud and to provide compatibility matching. An uncharacteristic operating signature may be introduced in a non-functional zone of an operating parameter including one or more voltage spikes of a specified amplitude and duration. Comparing the voltage spikes to a set of predetermined profiles provides identification for the CRU. A unique automated, machine-readable manner by which to identify a CRU is provided that does not require an externally-readable monitoring module or any other identifying label to be mounted on, or otherwise associated with, the CRU.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium includes a fixing roller, a pressing roller, and at least one of a sheet guide, a sheet separation plate, and an electric component module. The fixing roller rotates in a predetermined direction of rotation. The pressing roller rotates and contacts an outer circumferential surface of the fixing roller to form a nip between the pressing roller and the fixing roller through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes to fix the toner image by heat and pressure. The position of the pressing roller is changeable relative to the fixing roller. At least one of the sheet guide, the separation plate, and the electric component module moves in conjunction with movement of the pressing roller as a single integrated unit without changing relative positions with respect to the pressing roller.