Patent ID: 7653321
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming device configured to form a toner image on a sheet; and a fixing device configured to fix the toner image on the sheet, the fixing device including a fixing belt having an endless belt-like shape, a heater configured to heat the fixing belt, a fixing roller including an elastic layer including a silicon sponge, a pressing roller configured to apply a pressure to the fixing roller via the fixing belt to form a nip at which the toner image is fixed on the sheet between the pressing roller and the fixing belt, a controller configured to switch the fixing device between an increased pressure mode and a decreased pressure mode in a state in which the fixing roller and the pressing roller rotate, and a moving mechanism configured to move the pressing roller to a first position at which the pressing roller applies an increased pressure capable of fixing the toner image on the sheet to the fixing roller in the increased pressure mode and to a second position at which the pressing roller applies a decreased pressure incapable of fixing the toner image on the sheet to the fixing roller in the decreased pressure mode.