Image-forming apparatus and fixing unit with heat circulator for high heat exchange efficiency

摘要

An image-forming apparatus, a fixing unit and a heat circulation system are equipped with a heat circulator capable of being fabricated at low costs and ensuring high heat exchange efficiency. The heat circulator includes two tabular metal members that come into contact with an intermediate transfer member at positions upstream and downstream of a simultaneous transfer and fixing zone, and plural heat pipes that transfer the heat of the first metal member to the second metal member.