Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same having a reinforcing member including first and second flanges
US8498561B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a fuser pad, a pressure member, a tubular belt holder, and a reinforcing member. The endless belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction. The fuser pad extends in the axial direction inside the loop of endless belt. The pressure member extends in the axial direction with the belt interposed between the fuser pad and the pressure member. The pressure member is pressed against the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The belt holder extends in the axial direction inside the loop of endless belt to retain the belt in shape along an outer circumference thereof. The belt holder accommodates the fuser pad in a longitudinal side slot defined on one side thereof. The reinforcing member is disposed inside the tubular belt holder to reinforce the belt holder around the side slot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.