Patent ID: 9429888
Filing Date: 2016-08-30
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. A fixing device comprising: an endless fixing belt; a fixing belt holder that holds the fixing belt; a pressure member to contact an outer portion of the fixing belt; a nip forming member that is disposed inside the fixing belt and forms a nip by supporting the fixing belt, the fixing belt being between the nip forming member and the pressure member, the nip having a length direction which is perpendicular to a travel direction of a recording medium through the nip; a nip supporting member that supports the nip forming member; a side plate that supports the fixing belt holder and the nip supporting member; and a pressure mechanism that presses the pressure member against the fixing belt and towards the nip forming member, wherein the nip supporting member includes a planar surface having a first end and a second end which is opposite to the first end, the first end supporting the nip forming member and the second end supported, in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the nip, by the side plate.