# US 6,298,213 B1 · Image forming apparatus with image fixing means of low heat capacity

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- Number: US 6,298,213 B1
- Document ID: US6298213B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 09/181,037
- Filed: 1998-10-28
- Granted: 2001-10-02
- Earliest claimed: 1997-10-30
- Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
- Inventors: Toshio Miyamoto; Masahiro Goto; Satoru Izawa; Masahiko Suzumi
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6298213B1

## CPC

- G03G 15/2003: {using heat}
- G03G: ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY

## Abstract

An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material and a fixing unit for fixing the image to the recording material by nipping and conveying the recording material, the fixing unit including a heater which does not generate heat during a standby period in which a printing operation can be started. The heater generates heat for a predetermined period after the start of power supply to the apparatus and then the apparatus is rendered capable of the printing operation.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An image forming apparatus, comprising:
image forming means for forming an image on a recording material; and
image heating means for heating the image on the recording material by nipping and conveying the recording material, said image heating means including a heater which does not generate heat during a standby period in which a printing operation can be started;
wherein said heater is controlled at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period after a start of power supply to said apparatus, and then said apparatus is rendered capable of the printing operation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fixing means includes:
a film movable with an unfixed image on the recording material while being in contact with said heater; and
a pressing roller for forming a nip in cooperation with said heater, with said film being interposed.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

An image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said film and said pressing roller are rotated while said heater is controlled for the predetermined period.