Patent ID: 8036545
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device configured to fix an image on a transfer material, said fixing device including a first fixing member heatable by a heating member, and a second fixing member, wherein said first fixing member and said second fixing member are pressible against each other to form a nip between said first fixing member and said second fixing member, for nipping the transfer material to convey the transfer material through the nip while heating and pressing the transfer material; a pressurizing unit configured to be selectively switchable between a pressurizing state for causing said first fixing member and said second fixing member to be pressed against each other and an unpressurizing state in which the pressurizing state is released; a pressurizing state-detecting unit configured to detect whether or not said pressurizing unit is in the pressurizing state; a temperature-detecting unit configured to detect a change in temperature caused by heating by the heating member; and a control unit configured to cause the heating member to heat said first fixing member when said pressurizing state-detecting unit detects that said pressurizing unit is in the pressurizing state, and cause the heating member to stop heating said first fixing member, based on a result of detection by said temperature-detecting unit after a lapse of a predetermined time period from start of the heating of said first fixing member by the heating member, wherein said pressurizing state-detecting unit includes an interlocking member configured to operate in accordance with switching of said pressurizing unit between the pressurizing state and the unpressurizing state, and wherein said pressurizing state-detecting unit detects, based on a position of said interlocking member, whether or not said pressurizing unit is in the pressurizing state.