Patent ID: 8867976
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: an endless belt-shaped fixing member rotating in a predetermined direction of rotation, formed into a loop; a nip formation member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member; a pressing member provided outside the loop formed by the fixing member to press the fixing member against the nip formation member to form a nip between the pressing member and the fixing member; a laminated heater contacting an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member to generate heat to be transmitted to the fixing member; a heater support provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and including a first surface that supports the laminated heater in a state in which the laminated heater is provided between the fixing member and the heater support and a second surface disposed back-to-back to the first surface, the heater support thermally expanding in a first direction due to heat generated by the laminated heater; a support member fixedly provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and isolated from the second surface of the heater support; and a biasing member provided between the support member and the second surface of the heater support to apply bias to the heater support in a second direction opposite the first direction and in which the heater support presses the laminated heater against the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, wherein the heater support comprises a heat-resistant resin foam member.