Patent ID: 8478156
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a fixing member having a cylindrical or annular shape for fixing an image onto a sheet which is in pressure contact with an outer surface thereof; a heating source for heating the fixing member to a fixing temperature; a duct which is provided in a position facing the fixing member and which has an inlet for taking in fine particles generated from the fixing member; an exhaust fan provided inside the duct or in an outlet of the duct for generating an air flow going from the inlet to the outlet of the duct; the duct includes a first path having a first filter member therein and a second path parallel to the first path and having a second filter member therein; the first filter member is provided upstream or downstream from the exhaust fan inside the duct and can trap the fine particles which flow through the duct in the air flow; the second filter member capable of trapping particles other than the fine particles; a switching mechanism inside the duct, the switching mechanism capable of switching between a first state in which the air flows through the first path and a second state in which the air flow passes through the second path; and a control section for controlling the switching mechanism so as to switch between the first state and the second state according to initial burst conditions under which the fine particles are emitted from the fixing member.