| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate user's operation and handling for returning fixing members to a pressure contact state at the start of use of a fixing device, by avoiding trouble resulting from maintaining the pressure contact state of the fixing members when the fixing device is not used, without increasing the device size, complicating the device structure, and significantly increasing manufacturing cost. SOLUTION: A fixing unit 10 includes a pair of fixing rollers 12 and 13 and a pressure means for bringing both the fixing rollers into firm contact with each other. The fixing unit 10 makes paper pass through a fixing nip N1 between both the fixing rollers kept in firm contact with each other by the pressure means, and thereby fixes a toner image on paper to the paper. The fixing unit 10 is provided with a spacer 30 interposed between the fixing rollers when the fixing unit is not used, and thereby separates them. The spacer 30 is formed in the shape of a sheet of predetermined width and has, at both its widthwise ends and/or in areas near the ends, a separating part 31 of predetermined thickness greater than the thickness of a spacer substrate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
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