Patent ID: 8073375
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing unit comprising: a heating member including a heating element; a pressure conveyance member for conveying a recording medium, which is carrying a toner image, in cooperation with the heating member while pressing the recording medium toward the heating member; support members which can rotatably support opposite end portions of the pressure conveyance member respectively; pressure springs which can apply a predetermined load to the pressure conveyance member through the support members respectively so as to press the pressure conveyance member toward the heating member; nip load releasing units which can release the load applied to the pressure conveyance member by the pressure springs respectively; and stoppers which are fixed through a gap to the one end portions of the support members brought into contact with the pressure springs and on opposite side to the pressure springs respectively; wherein: the pressure conveyance member is supported in an intermediate position between the support members, while one end portions of the support members are brought into contact with the pressure springs respectively; the other end portions of the support members on the opposite side to the pressure springs are brought into contact with the nip load releasing units respectively through the pressure conveyance member; and when the load applied to the pressure conveyance member is released by the nip load releasing units, the one end portions of the support members are brought into contact with the stoppers, and the support members rotate around contact points with the stoppers respectively so as to move away from the heating member.