Patent ID: 9400464
Filing Date: 2016-07-26
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. A fixing device comprising: an endless fixing belt; fixing-belt holding members configured to hold the fixing belt at opposite ends of the fixing belt; a pressure member configured to be brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt; a nip forming member arranged inside the fixing belt and configured to form a nip area by contacting the pressure member with the fixing belt; a nip supporting member configured to support the nip forming member; side plates to which the fixing-belt holding members and the nip supporting member are fixed; and a pressing mechanism configured to press the pressure member against the nip forming member with the fixing belt therebetween, the nip forming member being formed by at least three layers including a heat absorbing layer, the heat absorbing layer being made of metal and in contact with the nip supporting member, and in a state where no load is applied to the nip supporting member, the nip supporting member including a shape protruding more at a longitudinal center portion than at longitudinal end portions toward the pressure member, the nip supporting member being in contact with the nip forming member, and the nip forming member including a shape protruding more at a longitudinal center portion than at a longitudinal end portions toward the pressure member.