Patent ID: 6628916
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A fixing device comprising:a fixing belt configured so as to be endless and so as to convey a sheet-like recording medium on which a toner image is fixed; a heating roller configured to support a first end of the fixing belt therearound; a fixing roller configured to support a second end of the fixing belt therearound; a pressure roller provided at a position opposed to the fixing roller so that the fixing belt is passed between the fixing roller and the pressure roller; a first fixing region where the pressure roller opposes only the fixing belt; a second fixing region arranged at a downstream side of the first fixing region in a moving direction of the fixing belt where the pressure roller opposes both the fixing belt and the fixing roller; and an abutting member configured to abut against the fixing belt, the abutting member being provided at a position between an upstream side of the fixing roller and a downstream side of the heating roller in the moving direction of the fixing belt so as to expand the first fixing region, wherein a portion of the fixing belt against which the abutting member abuts is separated from the pressure roller.