Patent ID: 6597879
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A fixing unit that fixes a developing material deposited on a recording medium by heating and pressing the recording medium, comprising:a first number of heating members that apply heat to the recording medium; a second number of temperature-sensitive shut-off devices in a first series connection; and wherein each of said first number of heating members and the first series connection form a second series connection in such a way that each of said first number of heating members receives electric power through the first series connection of said second number of temperature-sensitive shut-off devices, each of said second number of temperature-sensitive shut-off devices receiving heat from a surface of a corresponding one of said first number of heating members to turn off the electric power in response to a temperature of the surface, the electric power supplied to the heating members being shut off simultaneously when the surface temperature exceeds a predetermined value.