Patent ID: 8526870
Filing Date: 2013-09-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: a flexible endless belt-shaped fixing member to rotate in a predetermined direction of rotation, foamed into a loop; a heating member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and facing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member to heat the fixing member; a nip formation member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and supported by the heating member, with a central convex portion of increased thickness provided at a center of the nip formation member in an axial direction of the fixing member and protruding toward the heating member; and a pressing member pressed against the nip formation member via the fixing member to form a fixing nip between the fixing member and the pressing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes, the heating member having a tapered shape corresponding to the convex portion of the nip formation member, in which the heating member is tapered from lateral ends of increased diameter toward a center of reduced diameter of the heating member in the axial direction of the fixing member.