Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for regulated storage capacitor charging to high voltage. The device comprises an AC source configured to output an AC voltage, a voltage multiplier that constitutes a charging unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to constantly sense the voltage on the storage capacitor and upon detecting that a predefined maximum charging voltage has been reached to react in at least one of the following ways: stop charging the storage capacitor, and closing an output switch so as to discharge of the storage capacitor through some load. The capacitance of each capacitor in the charging unit is substantially smaller than that of the storage capacitor so as achieve accurate maximum charging voltage as well as limited charging current.

Abstract: A heating device includes a rotatable film, a heater including a substrate that extends along a first direction, and a heater element on the substrate and facing the film, a heat conductor having first and second surfaces and including a first portion contacting the substrate, and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and does not contact the substrate, and a temperature sensing element on the second surface at a position corresponding to the second portion. A thickness of the first portion from the first surface to the second surface is greater than a thickness of the second portion from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat shield. The heat shield may comprise a first layer comprising a first material, a second layer radially outward of the first layer comprising a second material, and a third layer radially outward of the second layer comprising a third material, wherein the first layer is coupled to the second layer by at least one post and at least one support extending from a radially outer surface of the first layer.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater having a first heating block and a second heating block, a heating rotating member to be heated by the heater, a pressure rotating member forming a nip portion for conveying a recording material between the pressure rotating member and the heating rotating member, first temperature detection elements and second temperature detection elements for detecting temperatures of the first heating block and second heating block respectively at positions farther from a recording material conveyance reference position than the first temperature detection elements. In the image heating apparatus, the first temperature detection elements are arranged on a side downstream of the heater in a recording material conveying direction, and the second temperature detection elements are arranged on a side upstream of the first temperature detection elements in the recording material conveying direction.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a magnetic ink reading device comprises a conveyance mechanism configured to convey a sheet-like medium printed by using magnetic ink along a conveyance path; a magnetizing mechanism configured to magnetize the magnetic ink on the medium along the conveyance path; a magnetic detection head, arranged in the vicinity of the magnetizing mechanism along the conveyance path, configured to read magnetism of the magnetized magnetic ink; a cylindrical roller member, arranged to face the magnetic detection head across the conveyance path, configured to press the medium conveyed along the conveyance path against the magnetic detection head to be capable of rotating along the surface of the medium; and a rotating shaft configured to rotatably support the roller member and contact an inner wall of the roller member at the axial center of the roller member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotator that rotates and a fixing device cover. The fixing device cover includes an interior face that is disposed opposite the rotator, a first aperture that is disposed opposite the rotator, and a recess that surrounds the first aperture and extends in a gravity direction. A frame is interposed between the interior face of the fixing device cover and the rotator. The frame includes a second aperture that is disposed opposite the rotator and the first aperture. A rib is mounted on the frame and extends from the second aperture toward the interior face of the fixing device cover.

Abstract: A first temperature detecting member is arranged in a longitudinal direction of a heater at a position that is (i) in a vicinity of an end adjacent to a second heating element among ends in the longitudinal direction of a first heating element, and (ii) separated from a reference passing position with respect to a recording material end that passes near a boundary between the first heating element and the second heating element by at least 2.5 mm toward a side close to a transport reference position, and a second temperature detecting member is arranged in the longitudinal direction at a position that is (iii) in a vicinity of an end adjacent to the first heating element among ends in the longitudinal direction of the second heating element, and (iv) separated from the reference passing position by at least 2.5 mm toward a side far from the transport reference position.

Abstract: A heating device includes a hollow portion that has an endless loop shape in a rotation direction and that has open ends in a rotation-axis direction, at least one heating unit that includes a heat-generating portion and that is inserted in the hollow portion, the heating unit being configured to heat the hollow portion from a space enclosed by the hollow portion as a result of heat generation of the heat-generating portion, and a driving-force transmission unit that is fixed to an end portion of the hollow portion in the rotation-axis direction and that transmits a driving force, which is transmitted to the driving-force transmission unit by a driving source, to the hollow portion so as to rotate the hollow portion, the driving-force transmission unit having an opening that is in communication with an interior of the hollow portion. The heat-generating portion is disposed at a position that does not overlap the driving-force transmission unit in the rotation-axis direction.

Abstract: A heating device includes a base, resistance heating elements, a power control circuit, a first temperature detector, a second temperature detector, a power interrupter, and control circuitry. The resistance heating elements are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the base and electrically connected in parallel. The first detector detects a temperature of a first resistance heating element. The second detector detects a temperature of a second resistance heating element. The power interrupter interrupts power supplied to the resistance heating elements when the temperature of the second resistance heating element becomes a predetermined temperature or more.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a roller, an endless belt, and a heat generating member disposed in a space inside the endless belt, extending in a width direction of the endless belt, and pressing the endless belt against the roller. A sheet is passed through a nip formed between the roller and a portion of the endless belt pressed by the heat generating member, such that an image on the sheet is fixed thereto. The heat generating member includes first and second heat generating portions that are adjacent to each other along the width direction, and the first portion heat generating is independently operable from the second heat generating portion.

Abstract: A fixing device to fix an image formed on a recording material to the recording material includes a cylindrical belt, a nip portion forming member contacting the belt, a backup member forming a nip portion with the nip portion forming member, a halogen heater including a bulb filled with gas and having a sealing portion sealing the bulb, and a reflection member that is long in a longitudinal direction of the halogen heater, wherein an image formed on the recording material is fixed to the recording material at the nip portion, and wherein the reflection member has a length greater than a length of a light emission area of the halogen heater, and the nip portion forming member has a length greater than the length of the reflection member.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a plurality of heat generating elements, a plurality of temperature detecting elements, and an energization controlling portion for selectively controlling, based on the temperature detected by each of the plurality of temperature detecting elements, electrical power to be supplied to the plurality of heat generating elements. The plurality of temperature detecting elements are arranged in each of the plurality of heat generating elements, and the energization controlling portion controls electrical power supply to the plurality of heat generating elements for the purpose of heating a non-sheet-passing heating region, through which a recording material does not pass, among the plurality of heating regions, based on a temperature detected by a temperature detecting element that is farthest from a conveyance reference position of the recording material, among the plurality of temperature detecting elements arranged in the non-sheet-passing heating region.

Abstract: Methods of forming a toner are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises forming a toner from a mixture of at least one resin, at least one wax, and optionally, at least one colorant, wherein the at least one wax is of a type and is present at an amount which are selected to provide a predetermined PER10 value for the toner; and measuring a PER10 value for the toner, wherein the measured PER10 value for the toner is equal to or less than the predetermined PER10 value. Toners formed using the methods are also provided.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a discharging device. The image forming apparatus includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member positioned downstream of the first rotatable member, a first driving portion for driving the first and second rotatable members, and a first controller for controlling the first driving portion. The discharging device includes a third rotatable member, a second driving portion for driving the third rotatable member, and a second controller for controlling the second driving portion. The first controller controls a driving speed of the second rotatable member depending on a driving speed of the first rotatable member and feeds the driving speed of the first rotatable member to the second controller. The second controller controls a driving speed of the third rotatable member depending on the driving speed fed from the first controller.

Abstract: A drying device includes a cooling unit, a gas outward guide unit, a gas inward guide unit, a gas supply unit, and a gas exhaust unit. The cooling unit feeds cooling wind toward a part near a heat source. The gas outward guide unit guides gas outwardly from the part near the heat source. The gas inward guide unit guides the outwardly-guided gas inwardly into the drying chamber. The gas supply unit supplies the inwardly-guided gas in the drying chamber to a neighborhood of an outer peripheral surface of the heat roller. The gas exhaust unit releases gas from a surrounding of the heat roller to the outside of a printing apparatus. Thus, high-temperature gas with heat absorbed from the part near the heat source is fed to the surrounding of the heat roller. This reduces humidity increase in the surrounding of the heat roller and reduces temperature drop of the heat roller, compared to feeding gas at ordinary temperature. Further, diffusion of the high-temperature gas in the printing apparatus is prevented.

Abstract: A temperature detection device includes first and second temperature detection units configured to detect first and second temperatures, respectively, of a first roller at first and second positions in an axis direction, heated by a central heating unit and an end part heating unit; third and fourth temperature detection units configured to detect third and fourth temperatures, respectively, of a second roller which can be in pressure-contact with the first roller, at the first and second positions; and a control unit configured to control the heating units. The control unit determines a state of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth temperature detection units based on a comparison between first and third rise rates of the first and third temperatures, respectively, or on a comparison between second and fourth rise rates of the second and fourth temperatures, respectively.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless belt, a nip formation pad disposed inside a loop formed by the endless belt, and a radiant heater to heat the endless belt. A contact heater is disposed at least at one lateral end of the nip formation pad in a longitudinal direction of the nip formation pad. The contact heater includes a heat generator to heat at least one lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction of the endless belt. A thermal conduction aid, covering a nip-side face of the nip formation pad and a nip-side face of the contact heater, conducts heat applied to the endless belt in the axial direction of the endless belt. The thermal conduction aid includes a heater-side face being disposed opposite the contact heater and covering at least the heat generator of the contact heater.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a cartridge; a belt unit; and a fixing unit. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The main casing includes a first side plate and a second side plate, interposing the fixing unit therebetween. The belt unit includes: an endless belt; a first pivot shaft supported at the first side plate; a first arm; a second pivot shaft supported at the second side plate; and a second arm. The belt unit is movable between an internal position where the belt contacts the photosensitive drum and an external position where the belt separates from the photosensitive drum. The first arm is positioned outward of the first side plate and connects the first pivot shaft to the belt unit. The second arm is positioned outward of the second side plate and connects the second pivot shaft to the belt unit.

Abstract: A developing device to develop a latent image on a rotatable image bearer includes an upstream developing roller disposed opposite the image bearer at a first developing position, and a downstream developing roller disposed adjacent to and downstream from the upstream developing roller in a direction of rotation of the image bearer, disposed opposite the image bearer at a second developing position. Each of the upstream developing roller and the downstream developing roller has a most approachable surface that approaches closest to the image bearer and a most withdrawn surface that withdraws farthest from the image bearer. In a state in which a reference surface point of the image bearer is disposed opposite the most approachable surface of the upstream developing roller at the first developing position, the reference surface point opposes the most withdrawn surface of the downstream developing roller at the second developing position.

Abstract: A fixing device includes: a rotatable member; a helical coil; a magnetic core; and a controller for controlling the frequency of an AC current caused to flow through the coil. The AC current is caused to flow through the coil to cause an electroconductive layer of the rotatable member to generate heat through electromagnetic induction heating, thereby heating and fixing the toner image on the recording material by heat of the rotatable member. The controller controls the frequency in a period so that when the frequency is f and a resistance of the electroconductive layer with respect to a circumferential direction is R, f/R is substantially constant.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a housing, a magnetic flux generation source, a first rotary body, a second rotary body, a first core, a second core, a shaft portion, a magnetic shielding body and an air flow generator. The shaft portion has a hollow cylindrical shape, holds the second core on a peripheral surface and includes an internal space extending in an axial direction inside. The shaft portion serves as a rotary shaft in the rotation of the second core. The air flow generator generates an air flow flowing in the internal space of the shaft portion from one end side toward the other end side in the axial direction.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating element extending in a first direction and configured to generate heat, a nip member extending along the heating element in the first direction and configured to receive radiant heat from the heating element, an endless belt extending along the heating element in the first direction, and a backup member extending along the heating element in the first direction. The endless belt is configured to rotate. The endless belt surrounds the heating element and the nip member. The backup member nips the endless belt in cooperation with the nip member. The nip member includes a main portion facing in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a particular holding portion holding the heating element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cylindrical rotary member including a conductive layer; a coil disposed inside the rotary member, the coil including a helical portion having a helical axis that is substantially parallel to a generatrix direction of the rotary member, the coil forming an alternating magnetic field to generate heat in the conductive layer by electromagnetic induction; a core disposed inside the helical portion, the core inducing a line of magnetic force of the alternating magnetic field; a roller coming in contact with an outer surface of the rotary member to form a fixing nip portion; and a metal stay disposed inside the rotary member, in which an image on a recording material is fixed to the recording material by being heated at the fixing nip portion and the stay is disposed outside the coil and has a shape that does not form an electrical loop around the coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic member having electroconductivity for suppressing peeling offset and also having a high cracking resistance. The electrophotographic member has an endless belt shape, and includes a cylindrical or columnar substrate, a rubber elastic layer that covers a periphery of the substrate, and a fluororesin tube that covers a periphery of the rubber elastic layer, wherein the fluororesin tube is crystalline-orientated in a substantially axial direction of the substrate and includes a fluororesin and carbon black dispersed in the fluororesin, and a primary average particle diameter of the carbon black is 50 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heat rotor with a heat source, a pressure rotor forming a fixing nip with the heat rotor and expandable by heat given from the heat rotor, a drive section configured to rotate the pressure rotor, a control section configured to control the drive section, thus controlling a rotational speed of the pressure rotor, and a heat quantity detecting section configured to determine a quantity of heat from the heat rotor to the pressure rotor since a reference time point when the fixing device transitions from outage to operating state. The control section performs a first rotation control for allowing the pressure rotor to rotate at a first rotational speed after the heat quantity detecting section detects the quantity of heat has reached a predetermined specified value and at a second rotational speed before the heat quantity detecting section detects the specified value has been reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll device (300) that comprises: a roll (100) removably connectable to a support structure (200); —a heating element (7) seated within the roll (100); an electrical connector for supplying the heating element (7). The roll device is characterized in that the connector comprises: —a first contact (12) arranged in a bottom wall (8) of the roll (100); —a second contact (13) arranged in the support structure (200) and adapted for engaging the first contact (12) in pressing contact, wherein one between the first (12) and the second (13) contact is movable between a retracted position and a position extended towards the other contact and permanently stressed in the extended position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes a fixing belt, an induction current generating part and an auxiliary heat generation part. The fixing belt includes a conductive layer. The induction current generating part faces the fixing belt in a thickness direction. The induction current generating part heats the conductive layer by electromagnetic induction. The auxiliary heat generation part faces the induction current generating part through the fixing belt. The auxiliary heat generation part includes a magnetic member. The magnetic member includes a mesh part. The mesh part has a mesh shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the fixing belt.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sheet heating element includes preparing a sheet member containing a metal or alloy, and performing anodic oxidizing treatment on the sheet member until only a surface layer of the sheet member is oxidized while a center portion thereof is not oxidized.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes: a rotating mechanism for rotating a belt unit in a direction for returning a belt into a predetermined zone; a displacing mechanism for permitting a first supporting member to be displaced in a direction for substantially equalizing forces, from the first supporting member, urging the belt toward a rotatable heating member at opposite end portions of the first supporting member with respect to a belt widthwise direction and to permit a second supporting member to be displaced in a direction for substantially equalizing forces, from the second supporting member, urging the belt toward the rotatable heating member at opposite end portions of the second supporting member; and a limiting mechanism for limiting the amount of the displacement permitted by the displacing mechanism within a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing member; a heating source configured to heat the fixing member; an opposing member configured to come into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member to form a nip portion; and a shielding member configured to block heat from the heating source. The shielding member is configured to rotate about a position different from the center of the heating source so as to be movable between a shielding position and a retraction position. The shielding position is a position where the shielding member comes close to the heating source to block heat from the heating source to the fixing member. The retraction position being a position where the shielding member is retracted away from the shielding position.

Abstract: Provided is an endless belt-shaped metal substrate, which can be used for a fixing member. The metal substrate includes an austenitic stainless alloy that contains copper and unavoidable impurities, in which the austenitic stainless alloy has a martensite ratio of less than 20%, and includes an austenitic phase as a matrix and a Cu-rich phase dispersed in the matrix, the Cu-rich phase extending in a direction perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the metal substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the current invention encompass a fixing device that includes an endless heat generating section including a conductive layer, a magnetic-flux generating section configured to generate a magnetic flux and generate an induction current in the conduction layer, a first magnetic-flux regulating section having a first magnetic flux concentration force and configured to regulate the magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generating section, a second magnetic-flux regulating section arranged adjacent to the first magnetic-flux regulating section, having a second magnetic flux concentration force larger than the first magnetic flux concentration force, and configured to regulate the magnetic flux of the magnetic-flux generating section, and an auxiliary heat generating section including a magnetic body arranged in a position opposed to the magnetic-flux generating section via the heat generating section, the position being a region extending across the first magnetic-flux regulating sectio

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator heated by a heater and a pressing rotator pressed against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heat shield interposed between the heater and the fixing rotator is movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotator to shield the fixing rotator from the heater in a variable axial shield span of the fixing rotator. The fixing rotator performs fixing rotation to convey the recording medium through the fixing nip while heating the recording medium and supplemental rotation other than fixing rotation. The heat shield moves to a decreased shield span position where the heat shield shields the fixing rotator from the heater in a decreased axial shield span of the fixing rotator during supplemental rotation thereof.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing member to rotate while contacting an unfixed image; a pressure member to form a fixing nip with the fixing member; a heating member having a plurality of heating elements divided in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of a sheet; a heat performance sensor to detect heating performance of each heating element of the heating member, and a controller to control the heating member. The controller controls each heating element independently such that a temperature of a portion of the fixing member corresponding to a blank area becomes lower than the temperature of a portion of the fixing member corresponding to an image area; and controls the temperature to be maintained at each heating element based on the detection result of the heating performance of each heating element detected by the heat performance sensor.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes: an exciting coil; a current applying device configured to apply a high-frequency current to the exciting coil; a rotatable heating member configured to heat a toner image on a recording material at a nip, wherein the rotatable heating member includes a first electroconductive layer for generating heat by electromagnetic induction of magnetic flux from the exciting coil; a rotatable pressing member configured to press-contact the rotatable heating member to form the nip, wherein the rotatable pressing member includes a second electroconductive layer electrically insulated from the first electroconductive layer; and a rectifying element configured to be connected between the second electroconductive layer and the ground in a direction in which a surface potential of the rotatable pressing member has an opposite polarity to a normal charge polarity of a toner.

Abstract: A fusing unit and an image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording medium including a fusing unit are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a heating member having a surface divided into a plurality of heating regions and heating the recording medium, and a pressurizing member to apply pressure to the recording medium, the fusing unit fusing the image to the recording medium by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium, a driving unit to supply rotational force to the pressurizing member, and a power supply to supply power to the heating member and the driving unit, wherein the heating regions have different heating values per unit area. The image forming apparatus prevents overheating of a paper-contact heating region without idling the fusing unit in order to radiate heat accumulated in the paper-contact heating region.

Abstract: An image transfer device includes a transfer unit and a transport unit. The transfer unit that heats a layered body including a recording member, which is flexible and has an image recorded on a recording surface thereof, and a base member, onto which the image on the recording member is to be transferred, to transfer the image recorded on the recording surface onto the base member. The transfer unit transporting the layered body by rotating while being in contact with a back surface of the recording member on a side opposite to the side of the recording surface. The transport unit disposed upstream of the transfer unit in a transport direction of the layered body. The transport unit rotating while being in contact with the back surface of the recording member to transport the layered body to the transfer unit.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a pressure member, a heating member, a coil, a first magnetic core, a second magnetic core, a shielding portion, and a switching belt. The second magnetic core is disposed to extend in a width direction in a hollow portion formed by the loop of the coil, and formed in an arc shape with a protruding portion at a side facing the heating member. The shielding portion is formed of a non-magnetic material to shield a path of a magnetic flux generated by the coil between the second magnetic core and the heating member. The switching belt includes a surface where the shielding portion is disposed to face a non-paper passing region in the heating member, suspended to be rotatable between a roller and the protruding portion, and selectively arranged in one of a shielding position and a non-shielding position by rotation of the roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a heating roller having an electrode to receive power disposed at an outer circumference thereof and a connection unit to supply the power to the heating roller via the electrode. The connection unit includes a connection member connected to the electrode, the connection member being rotated along with the heating roller, an annular friction bush disposed at the connection member, and at least one wire having one fixed end and the other end contacting an outer circumference of the friction bush. The connection member is rotated along with the heating roller, and therefore, no friction occurs between the electrode and the connection member, thereby preventing damage to the electrode.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a base member having a substantially cylindrical surface; an elastic layer provided around the substantially cylindrical surface and having, at each axial end thereof, a sloping surface that slopes such that an outside diameter of the elastic layer is gradually reduced toward an outer side in an axial direction; and a surface layer joined to an outer circumferential surface of the elastic layer and a portion of the sloping surface and having a higher modulus of elasticity than the elastic layer, each axial end of the surface layer being free of restraint by the base member.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a fixing device; a power supply unit; a non-contact temperature sensor; and a control device. The fixing device has a heating member. The power supply unit is configured to supply electric power to the heating member. The non-contact temperature sensor is disposed in a position separate from the heating member and configured to detect temperature of the heating member. A first function and a second function respectively produce a first corrected temperature value and a second corrected temperature value smaller than the first corrected temperature value with respect to a given detected temperature. The control device is configured to: select the first function to correct the detected temperature at a start of a print control process; switch from the first function to the second function at a prescribed timing during the print control process; and control the power supply unit based on the corrected temperature.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes first and second rotatable members for forming a nip for heating therein a toner image on a sheet; an endless belt for contacting an outer surface of the first rotatable member and heat the first rotatable member; first and second rollers provided inside the endless belt and to rotatably support the endless belt; first and second bearings for rotatably supporting the first and second rollers; an elastic member contactable to the first bearing and to the second bearing and for urging the first roller and the second roller in directions away from each other; and a preventing member for preventing the elastic member from moving in directions of expansion and contraction thereof when the elastic member is out of contact with the first bearing and the second bearing.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose a fuser member comprising a substrate, a functional layer disposed on the substrate and an outer layer disposed on the functional layer. The outer layer comprises a cross-linked perfluorinated polyether.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus for heating a recording material, on which a toner image is carried, while conveying the recording material in a nip includes: a fixing roller including a metal core, a heat insulating layer formed on a surface of the core metal, and a high heat transfer layer which is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the heat insulating layer and has a higher thermal conductivity than the heat insulating layer; a heating member for heating the fixing roller from an outside; and a back-up member for forming the nip together with the fixing roller. When the fixing roller and the back-up member opposing the fixing roller are supplied with the same heat quantity, the temperature rise rate in a neighborhood of the surface of the back-up member supplied with the heat quantity is higher than that of the fixing roller.

Abstract: A temperature adjusting member includes: a thermoelectric conversion module; a casing which contains the thermoelectric conversion module; an exterior pipe which contains the casing; and a support body which brings the casing into contact with an inner wall of the exterior pipe. The support body includes a holding portion, a connecting portion and a support portion. The holding portion holds the casing; the connecting portion is connected to the holding portion; and the support portion supports the holding portion by the connecting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the support portion such that the holding portion is movable toward the inner wall of the exterior pipe.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit and an apparatus main body. The fixing unit includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member and a fixing nip forming mechanism. The first rotating member is heated by a heating source. The second rotating member faces to the first rotating member. The fixing nip forming mechanism makes the second rotating member pressed to the first rotating member and forms a fixing nip between the first rotating member and second rotating member. To the apparatus main body, the fixing unit is attachably/detachably installed. The apparatus main body includes a nip pressure changing mechanism. The nip pressure changing mechanism presses the fixing nip forming mechanism and changes a pressure of the fixing nip.

Abstract: An image fixing apparatus for heating and fixing an unfixed image formed on a recording material, comprising a heater including a substrate, a first electrode provided on one side of the substrate and a second electrode provided on the other side of the substrate; and a connector, connected with the heater, for receiving electric power, the connector including an electrically insulative housing, and a contact terminal provided inside the housing and having first spring contact contacted to the first electrode and a second spring contact contacted to the second electrode, wherein the contact terminal is swingable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a heating roller and a nip forming unit facing the heating roller to form a fixing nip. The heating roller includes a resistive heating layer receiving an electric current to generate heat, and a base material supporting the resistive heating layer, wherein a resistance per unit length of the resistive heating layer at opposite sides in a length direction is less than a resistance per unit length of the resistive heating layer at a center portion.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first roller; a second roller that forms a nip between the second roller and the first roller and presses a sheet passing through the nip against the first roller; a heater that heats at least one of the first roller and the second roller, a heating range of the heater being greater than a maximum printing width of a predetermined maximum sheet width, and a heat-uniformizing member that distributes heat of the heater along a longitudinal direction thereof, an effective length of the heat-uniformizing member in the longitudinal direction being the same as, or greater than, the predetermined maximum sheet width.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first roller; a second roller that forms a nip between the second roller and the first roller and presses a sheet passing through the nip against the first roller; a heater that heats at least one of the first roller and the second roller, a heating range of the heater being greater than a maximum printing width of a predetermined maximum sheet width, and a heat-uniformizing member that distributes heat of the heater along a longitudinal direction thereof, an effective length of the heat-uniformizing member in the longitudinal direction being the same as, or greater than, the predetermined maximum sheet width.