Light irradiating unit and optical fixing unit

摘要

A width of an LED array in a scanning direction is determined in accordance with a width of thermosensitive recording paper. A plurality of LEDs is arranged in the LED array in such a way that an arranging pitch between the LEDs are lessened from a center area toward side edge areas of the LED array. Thus, an arranging density of the LEDs increases from the center area toward the side edge areas of the LED array, so that radiated fixing light becomes uniform in a width direction of the thermosensitive recording paper. As a result, unevenness in fixing is prevented. Further, irradiation efficiency in the side edge areas of the LED array is improved by providing reflectors on both side edges of the LED array. Accordingly, the unevenness in fixing is prevented more efficiently.