Fixing device, image forming apparatus including the same and electromagnetic-induction heating unit

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image forming section configured to form a toner image;
• a transfer section configured to transfer the toner image formed by the image forming section to a recording medium;
• and
• a fixing device configured to fix the toner image transferred by the transfer section to the recording medium on the recording medium,
• wherein the fixing device includes
• a toner fusing unit that is operable to fix the toner image on the recording medium and that includes a pressure member and a heating member in contact with the pressure member to form a fixing nip therebetween;
• an electromagnetic-induction heating unit having a coil disposed along an outer surface of the heating member and configured to generate a magnetic flux for applying induction heating to the heating member and a core unit disposed opposite the heating member with the coil interposed therebetween to provide for a magnetic path around the coil, the core unit being configured to rotate about an axis extending across the width of the recording medium;
• and
• a drive unit formed integrally with the electromagnetic-induction heating unit and configured to rotate the core unit.

An electromagnetic-induction heating unit for use in a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, the electromagnetic induction heating unit comprising:

• a coil configured to generate a magnetic flux for applying induction heating;
• a core unit disposed to provide for a portion of a magnetic path around the coil, and being configured to rotate about an axis extending along the width of the recording medium when the electromagnetic-induction heating unit is installed for use;
• and
• a drive unit formed integrally as part of the electromagnetic-induction heating unit and configured to rotate the core unit.