Fixing device including a pressure rotator and a thermal conduction aid, and image forming apparatus including the fixing device
US10295939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes an endless belt and a pressure rotator disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt. The pressure rotator has a first span in an axial direction of the endless belt. A nip formation pad, which is disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt, forms a fixing nip between the endless belt and the pressure rotator. The nip formation pad includes a belt-side face disposed opposite the endless belt. A radiant heater, which is disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the endless belt, heats the endless belt. A thermal conduction aid, which contacts the belt-side face of the nip formation pad, conducts heat in the axial direction of the endless belt. The thermal conduction aid has a second span within which the first span of the pressure rotator is provided at the fixing nip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.