Fixing device and image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image forming section for forming a toner image;
• a transfer section for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium;
• and
• a fixing device for fixing the toner image on the recording medium,
• wherein the fixing device includes:
• a fixing member,
• a pressing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the pressing member sandwich the recording medium, fix the toner image on the recording medium and convey the recording medium;
• a detection unit for detecting that a leading edge of the recording medium is located at the nip portion;
• a first air jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air only to a position close to the leading edge of the recording medium having passed the nip portion based on the detection result by the detection unit;
• and
• a second jetting unit for jetting air to the recording medium whose leading edge has passed through the nip portion.

A fixing device comprising:

• a fixing member,
• a pressing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the pressing member sandwich a recording medium, fix a toner image on the recording medium and convey the recording medium;
• a first air jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air continuously to a position close to a leading edge of the recording medium having passed the nip portion;
• and
• a second jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air to the recording medium whose leading edge has passed through the nip portion,
• wherein a velocity of air jetted from the first air jetting unit is greater than a velocity of air jetted from the second air jetting unit.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• a fixing member;
• a pressing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the pressing member sandwich a recording medium, fix a toner image on the recording medium and convey the recording medium;
• a first air jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air continuously to a position close to a leading edge of the recording medium having passed the nip portion;
• and
• a second jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air to the recording medium whose leading edge has passed through the nip portion,
• wherein a velocity of air jetted from the first air jetting unit is greater than a velocity of air jetted from the second air jetting unit.