Fixing device and image forming apparatus
US9535378B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/2053
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fixing device includes a first rotator rotatable in a given direction of rotation and a second rotator contacting the first rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heater is disposed opposite and heats at least one of the first rotator and the second rotator. An abutment separably contacts the first rotator to refresh an outer circumferential surface of the first rotator. A mover is connected to the abutment to move the abutment with respect to the first rotator. A degradation estimator is operatively connected to the mover to estimate a degradation level of the outer circumferential surface of the first rotator and control the mover to move the abutment with respect to the first rotator according to the degradation level of the first rotator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.