Fixing device with endless belt and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US8989643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2035
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The fixing device includes a nip formation assembly partially pressing against an opposed rotary body via an endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body. The nip formation assembly includes a base pad defining the fixing nip and including a pressure portion, an extension portion, and a curved portion. The pressure portion presses against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The extension portion is contiguous to and disposed upstream from the pressure portion in a recording medium conveyance direction. The extension portion does not press against the opposed rotary body via the endless belt. The curved portion is disposed upstream from the extension portion in the recording medium conveyance direction and smoothly blends into the extension portion. The curved portion does not press against the opposed rotary body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.