Patent ID: 9058019
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that fixes an unfixed image to a recording material while nipping and conveying the recording material bearing the unfixed image, wherein the fixing unit includes a rotatable member which the recording material contacts; and a blower unit that sends air to a non-paper-passage portion of the rotatable member when a small-sized recording material passes through the fixing unit, wherein the blower unit includes a fan and a duct for guiding the air from the fan to the non-paper-passage portion of the rotatable member, wherein the image forming apparatus can be switched between a blowing mode for blowing air to a non-paper-passage portion of the rotatable member through the duct and an exhausting mode in which the fan is rotated reversely and the air in the fixing unit is exhausted to an outside of the image forming apparatus through the duct, and wherein the image forming apparatus switches from the exhausting mode to the blowing mode during continuous printing of a plurality of recording materials.