Method and apparatus for image forming capable of effectively fixing a toner image on a recording sheet by using induction heating
US7480478B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2032
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on a recording sheet. The fixing unit includes a fixing belt, a support roller, and a coil. The fixing belt rotates and applies heat on the recording sheet to fix the toner image on the recording sheet. The support roller rotates and supports the fixing belt. The coil has a loop-like or U-like shape and generates a magnetic flux to induce heat in the fixing belt and the support roller. The coil sandwiches the support roller and the fixing belt in a manner that the coil faces an outer circumferential surface of the support roller via the fixing belt and an inner circumferential surface of the support roller. The above configuration of the coil controls a surface temperature of the fixing belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.