Patent ID: 11966177
Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Field: Optics (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G | IPC G

Claim 10:
11. A method for controlling a fixing unit of an image forming apparatus, the fixing unit including a heater including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a fixing belt having a surface to which a lubricant is applied and contacting the first surface of the heater through the lubricant, a heat conductor contacting the second surface of the heater, and a pressing roller capable of pressing and rotating the fixing belt, the method comprising:
measuring a temperature of the heat conductor; and
before rotating the pressing roller, supplying to the heater:
a first amount of electric power when the temperature of the heat conductor is lower than a first value,
a second amount of electric power less than the first amount when the temperature of the heat conductor is higher than or equal to the first value and lower than or equal to a second value which is higher than the first value, and
a third amount of electric power less than the second amount when the temperature of the heat conductor is higher than the second value.