Patent ID: 8050607
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming mechanism configured to form an image on a recording medium with a developer according to image data; and a fixing mechanism configured to fix the developer forming the image on the recording medium and including a pressing member configured to apply pressure to the recording medium, a fixing member opposing the pressing member and configured to apply heat to the recording medium conveyed through a nip formed between the pressing member and the fixing member, a tension roller disposed at a position to contact an outer surface of the fixing member that contacts the developer forming the image on the recording medium to apply tension to the fixing member, the tension roller rotating in accordance with rotation of the fixing member and having a releasing property of an outer surface thereof that releases the developer therefrom which is lower than a releasing property of the outer surface of the fixing member that releases the developer therefrom, and a cleaner disposed at a position to contact the outer surface of the tension roller and configured to remove contaminants including the developer adhered to the tension roller, the cleaner configured to pressingly contact the tension roller by an elastic force so that the tension roller slides on the outer surface of the fixing member.