Fusing device for electrophotographic image forming apparatus

A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the fusing device comprising:

• a heat pipe having a tubular shape and two ends, and containing a predetermined amount of working fluid, the heat pipe being hermetically sealed at both of said ends;
• a fusing roller surrounding the heat pipe;
• a heater installed between the fusing roller and the heat pipe for generating heat;
• and
• a power connecting unit for transmitting external electric power to the heater;
• wherein the power connecting unit comprises:
• an electrode inserted into an outer end portion of each of first and second end caps which are installed at respective ends of the fusing roller and on an axis of rotation thereof;
• a brush installed in a through hole formed in a frame supporting the fusing roller so as to contact the electrode;
• and
• elastic means for making the brush closely contact the electrode for electrical connection.

A fusing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the fusing device comprising:

• a heat pipe having a tubular shape and two ends, and containing a predetermined amount of working fluid, the heat pipe being hermetically sealed at both of said ends;
• a fusing roller surrounding the heat pipe;
• a heater installed between the fusing roller and the heat pipe for generating heat;
• and
• a power connecting unit for transmitting external electric power to the heater;
• wherein the heater comprises:
• a resistive coil for generating heat using the electric power transmitted by the power connecting unit, the resistive coil not being covered with a protective coating layer;
• and
• leads for connecting the resistive coil to the power connecting unit at respective ends of the heater;
• wherein each of said leads comprises:
• a ring electrically connected to the resistive coil at respective ends of the heater;
• and
• a string extending from the ring.