Fixing device capable of enhancing durability of endless belt and image forming apparatus incorporating the same
US8886101B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. An opposed rotary body is pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A belt holder contacts and supports each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. The belt holder is isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.