Fixing device and image forming apparatus with a mechanism to extend life of a fixing belt
US8639170B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2025
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device for thermally fixing an unfixed image formed on a recording sheet by passing the recording sheet through a fixing nip. The fixing device has: a heat-generating endless belt having, on a circumferential surface thereof, a sheet passing area through which the recording sheet passes; a first pressure member disposed inside a running path of the endless belt; and a second pressure member disposed to press the endless belt against the first pressure member from outside the running path to form the fixing nip. The endless belt includes: a resistive heat layer that generates heat upon receiving electric current; and a pair of electrode layers that receive electric current. The electrode layers flank the sheet passing area. The resistive heat layer is in contact with the electrode layers at a different one of end faces opposing each other in a width direction of the resistive heat layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.