| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a practical image forming apparatus that can prevent discoloration or deformation of long sheets during a non-image formation period without causing problems, such as an increase in size of the apparatus and an increase in apparatus cost.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveyance unit that conveys long sheets, an image forming unit that transfers toner images on the long sheets, and a fixing unit that applies heat and pressure to the long sheets fed along a sheet-feed path at a fixing nip to fix the toner images. The image forming apparatus further includes a driving unit that rotates a rear-face-side support member, a pressure contact and separation unit that brings a fixation-face-side member into pressure contact with the rear-face-side support member or separates the former from the latter, and a cooling unit that cools the rear-face-side support member. The paper-feed path is configured so that the long sheets are brought into contact with the rear-face-side support member when the fixation-face-side member is separated from the rear-face-side support member. During cool-down or warm-up of the fixing unit, the pressure contact and separation unit separates the fixation-face-side member from the rear-face-side support member; the cooling unit cools the rear-face-side support member; and the driving unit rotates the rear-face-side support member. |
