Patent ID: 7725053
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing unit, comprising: a heating roller comprising a rotational axis having two ends, and a cylindrical surface; a pressure roller comprising a rotational axis having two ends, and a cylindrical surface, the pressure roller being disposed in confrontation with the heating roller to press the cylindrical surface of the pressure roller against the cylindrical surface of the heating roller; a case having two sides rotatably supporting the two ends of the heating roller, the case covering the heating roller on an opposite side of the pressure roller; a pair of support members supported on the two sides of the case for rotatably supporting the rotational axis of the pressure roller, and a pair of elastic members that connect the pair of support members to the two sides of the case, each of the pair of elastic members generating a restorative force to press the pressure roller against the heating roller; wherein the heating roller rotates to convey a recording medium in cooperation with the pressure roller, wherein the pressure roller is exposed without being covered by the case, wherein the pair of support members support the pressure roller, with two ends of the pressure roller being exposed and uncovered by the case, and wherein each of the pair of support members has two ends and an arc-shaped portion, one of the two ends being pivotably supported on the case, the other of the two ends being connected to the case through a corresponding one of the pair of elastic members, the arc-shaped portion having a shape extending along the cylindrical surface of the pressure roller and outside of the cylindrical surface of the pressure roller.