Patent ID: 9069306
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a flexible cylindrical member; a first fixing member, wherein the first fixing member is a nip plate, and an inner peripheral surface of the flexible cylindrical member is configured to slide on the nip plate, wherein the nip plate comprises: a second fixing member, wherein the second fixing member is the backup member, wherein the backup member and the nip plate are configured to pinch the flexible cylindrical member and form the nip portion; an urging mechanism comprising an urging member configured to urge the first fixing member toward the second fixing member by an urging force; a change member configured to change a width of the nip portion between a first nip width and a second nip width that is smaller than the first nip width by applying and releasing a pressing force to the first fixing member against the urging force of the urging member; and a restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the first fixing member and to restrict a maximum value of the first nip width of the nip portion while the pressing force against the urging force is released, wherein the restriction portion is provided at a position such that the flexible cylindrical member is not in contact with the edge of the extension portion when the movement of the first fixing member is restricted.