Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US8472855B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes a tubular, stationary metal pipe, a heater, a flexible fuser belt, a rotatable pressure member, a fuser pad, and a tubular pipe cover. The heater is disposed adjacent to the metal pipe to heat a circumference thereof. The metal pipe has multiple through-holes provided at least at a circumferential perforated section thereof. The flexible fuser belt is looped for rotation around the metal pipe to transfer heat radially outward from the heated circumference of the metal pipe. The rotatable pressure member extends opposite the metal pipe with the fuser belt interposed between the metal pipe and the pressure member. The fuser pad, accommodated within the metal pipe, held stationary inside the loop of the fuser belt, presses against the pressure member through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The tubular pipe cover is fitted around the metal pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.