Image recording apparatus with reduced thermal energy requirements

Abstract

In an image recording apparatus in which a toner image on a toner image holding and conveying member is transferred onto a recording member and is fixed at the same time, the change of charging characteristics or the like by accumulation of heat in the apparatus is prevented, the toner image is certainly transferred and fixed onto the recording member with small consumed energy, and high speed print can be made. An intermediate transfer material on which a toner image is primarily transferred is disposed at a position facing a photosensitive drum, and a pressing roller for pressing the toner image against the recording member is disposed at the downstream side in the conveying direction of the transferred toner image. At the upstream side of the secondary transfer portion where the pressing roller is pressed, an electromagnetic induction heating unit for melting the toner image on the intermediate transfer material is disposed. The intermediate transfer material includes a conductive layer therein, and when the electromagnetic induction heating unit generates fluctuating magnetic field, the conductive layer is heated by eddy current. The toner is heated up to a temperature not less than the softening point temperature by this heat, and is instantly transferred by press contact with the recording member. The toner is cooled while it passes through the secondary transfer portion.