Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US8583020B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes a tubular belt holder, a rotatable flexible fuser belt, a contact member, a pressure member, and a heater. The tubular belt holder extends in an axial direction thereof. The fuser belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration around the belt holder. The tubular belt holder retains the fuser belt in shape as the belt rotates in a circumferential direction. The contact member and pressure member extend in the axial direction. The pressure member presses against the contact member through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The heater is disposed to heat a predetermined circumferential portion of the fuser belt. The belt holder includes a first circumferential section and a second circumferential section. The first circumferential section faces the heated portion. The second circumferential section faces upstream from the heated portion in the circumferential direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.