Belt-type fixing device and image forming apparatus using same
US8428502B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes an endless flexible fixing member, a supporting member having a pipe shape disposed inside a loop formed by the fixing member to support the fixing member, a pressing member disposed opposite the supporting member via the fixing member, and a nip formation member disposed opposite the pressing member via the fixing member to form a fixing nip between the fixing member and the pressing member. The fixing member contacts an outer circumferential face of the supporting member at a side opposite a side at which the fixing member contacts the nip formation member at the fixing nip. The fixing member has slack portions formed upstream and downstream from the fixing nip in a conveyance direction of a recording medium. The slack portions extend toward the pressing member over the fixing nip without contacting either the supporting member or the pressing member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.