| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming apparatus and an image forming method where a toner image transferred to a recording material is heated to be permanently fixed on the recording material, and by which a problem on water vapor discharged from the recording material in fixing operation is solved and enhancement of the energy efficiency of the apparatus is achieved. <P>SOLUTION: An upper duct 191 surrounded by a duct forming member 1931 having ventilation holes 1931a and a duct forming member 1932 is provided above a fixing unit 13. Warmed air flowing inside the upper duct 191 is guided to the preheating unit 192 through a ventilation duct and an exhaust fan, passes through the inside of hollow preheating members 1921 and 1922 and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT |
